The current midfield depth chart:
1. Henderson
2. Can
3. Wijnaldum
4. Milner
5. Grujic
Lallana is injured and probably won't be back until late 2017 and early 2018.
Coutinho's status remains unknown until the transfer window closes.
Thus, where on the depth chart does AOC fit?
At this moment, I would guess AOC would be #4 on the chart. Because of Milner's age and Klopp's high energy offensive system, Milner has fallen a bit out of favor. He will still have a key role for certain types of opponents and as a wise veteran substitute when Liverpool is trying to see out a match for a victory. Thus, AOC's youth and energy and skill may be what Klopp wants. Perhaps, Klopp sees AOC (age 24) as being a bit further along in development than Grujic (age 21). With Premier League and Champions League, LFC needs some squad rotation and AOC helps with that. He will probably also get lots of minutes in League Cup and FA Cup matches. Of course, if Coutinho stays and when Lallana recovers, AOC would drop to #6 on the depth chart and his minutes will be rather low. On the other hand, given the past couple of years with the revolving door of injuries at LFC .....
The other news item is that Divock Origi has a loan deal with Wolfsburg. Clearly, a player development move since being sixth on the depth chart means he isn't going to get many match play minutes barring multiple injuries.
Thus, the depth chart for the forward spot loses a player:
1. Firmino
2. Mane
3. Salah
4. Solanke
5. Sturridge
The main area of remaining interest is whether there will be any movement on central defense. VDD was the candidate to be brought in. It makes financial sense for Southampton to sell but sometimes clubs feel they need to make a statement so they may not sell him and if they do sell they will try to find somebody other than Liverpool. It is similar to the Coutinho situation as it makes financial sense to sell but the club feels it needs to make a statement of intent about the season.
In any case, the defensive depth chart:
Central
1. Matip
2. Lovren
3. Klavan
4. Gomez
Wide
1. Alexander-Arnold
2. Moreno
3. Gomez
4. Robertson
Clyne is still injured and not available for selection.
Will update as news on this transfer deadline day warrants.
UDPATE: Sources say Sakho, an out of favor defender, will be transferred to Crystal Palace.
UPDATE: In a player development move Ryan Kent out on loan to Freiburg. Window closes at 11pm UK time. Still awaiting if there will be any additional news on other Liverpool ins/outs.
UPDATE: No other news appears to be out. VDD stayed at Southampton. Coutinho stayed at Liverpool amidst rumors that FSG, the owners of LFC, rejected a 4th even more astronomical bid from Barcelona.
The January window watch will eventually start up as the season wears on and teams re-assess where they are at and what they may need to close out the campaign.
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