Jurgen Klopp was right about neutral moves as Liverpool await new developments

It’s a phrase embedded in real football, a whip that consistently encourages eye movement from any fan.

But, for Liverpool now at least, the claim holds more than a kernel of truth.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp tore at the old adage that a returning player could look like a new signing when Thiago Alcantara’s sightings at Kirkby’s training ground led to questions about the Spaniard’s return. to come.

“We’ve made fun of it here already,” Klopp said. “I said, ‘I think we should sign Thiago for January!'”

With the midfielder having played just 135 minutes for Liverpool since leaving Bayern Munich in September, the impact may have a new face when he returns to action in the New Year.

It’s not just Thiago, though.

Surprisingly, Liverpool enter 2021 with their summer pickers having made just 23 appearances between them for their new club – just five of whom have held the full 90 minutes.

Jota owns the majority, who can score 17 games and nine goals. Thiago has just two rounds, with Kostas Tsimikas collecting just four.

With Jota and Tsimikas expected to recover from their knee problems by the end of next month, January could well be a window for Klopp to include all three new signings. for the first time.

The limited playing time for the big money trio, which cost more than £ 70million between them, has allowed for a further influx of newcomers – the ones Klopp referred to earlier in the year as “internal moves”.

Again, it was a phrase that did not live up to the general approval of Liverpool fans who wanted the mythical transfer window shield to stay alongside the Premier League cup at Kirkby.

But those coming through the Academy stages have been instrumental in ensuring the Reds progress to Champions League knockout stages as group winners with a three-point standout. clearly in the defense of their domestic crown.

Curtis Jones had made just one league start before this season but now has 15 appearances in all competitions, with his recent excellent performances against Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur drawing attention. a wider national audience.

Another 19-year-old Neco Williams has appeared 10 times, and Nat Phillips has made two 90-minute runs in the top flight.

While the trio had their first Liverpool debut, Rhys Williams has made the biggest leap with the first round out of the League Cup and then bows in the Champions League and , in the middle of the week, the Premier League.

With the 19-year-old backbone so far going up nine laps – including six full games – the fourth has been far more consistent than the outfielders.

None have let Klopp down, and while some are far more likely to have Liverpool’s future, their appearance will have a big impact on what Liverpool will do when the transfer window reopens. within a fortnight.

Midfield continues to spark the biggest debate, with neither Virgil van Dijk nor Joe Gomez coming back anytime soon and concerns about Joel Matip’s stability suggest not to consider at least on the consolidation of defense as a waiver of duty.

The financial reality, however, is only a favorable deal too good to pass up or the opportunity to move early for a long-term target will encourage the Reds to do business next month.

If that scares some, Klopp ‘s transfer schedule and Liverpool’ s recruiting team show that fans should have faith in anything that is ultimately decided.

In fact, the new signs this year have proved their worth – even though they are not quite as one would expect.