OPINION
It is at the point where people have run out of superlatives to describe Liverpool’s prolific front three.
Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Mohamed Salah have become one of the world’s most dangerous front line in world football and scored a combined total of 56 goals in the Premier League last season – more than 13 entire teams in the division.
The problem facing Jurgen Klopp is, what happens when opposition teams start to prevent the trio from being as effective? With Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri the only senior options available on the bench, the German must find a new option to help his quest to bring home the Reds’ first-ever Premier League title.
Liverpool’s youngsters have been the center of speculation this summer, with Ryan Kent, in particular, being watched closely by both Rangers and Leeds, according to Football Insider.
Klopp has his answer staring right in front of him and must block any departure for Kent, and unleash him as his secret weapon next season.
The 22-year-old possesses unbelievable pace that would trouble any opposition defence next season, especially off the bench when defenders start to tire late on in games.
Kent excelled at Rangers last season, scoring six goals and providing nine assists from 43 appearances. Those stats saw him pick up the PFA Scottish Young Player of the Year award.
The former Borussia Dortmund boss will no doubt be taking a look at Kent in pre-season, with the youngster having featured in both games against Tranmere and Bradford so far.
There is the possibility that if Kent stays at Anfield, he will be on the bench for the majority of the season – but that is a risk he must be willing to take.
Klopp will be wanting the 22-year-old to improve his goal involvement tally significantly should he want to earn a place in the Reds’ starting 11 – after averaging a goal every 229.2 minutes last season [Transfermarkt].
But, if Kent can step up he could become an integral part of Liverpool’s plans next season.
