Santa Claus is coming, and as Liverpool fans there will be no shortage of what we want to see under the tree on the big day.
From goals, silverware and problems at Anfield to injuries, contracts and much more: the list is huge!
Alexander Isak will have a smooth recovery
This initial wish was for Alexander Isak to start scoring goals after struggling to make his mark at the club, a stark contrast to the confidence oozing from Hugo Ekitike.
But just after seeing the finishing he is capable of, his leg breaks and we now have to hope that his recovery goes smoothly and that he can get back to work sooner or later.
The club may have put him on ice for the remainder of the season as he was not fully fit before the injury, but all we can wish for is a quick recovery.
Not quite the Christmas wish we wanted for Isak, but Liverpool must make the best of it – whatever that looks like…
Invest in the forward line in January
Liverpool’s priority in the winter may have been defense, but Isak’s injury – plus Salah’s absence in January – means the club must act.
As it stands, Slot only has Hugo Ekitike, Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha as recognized forward options – one of whom he clearly doesn’t trust and the other is a teenager he doesn’t want to use.
Antoine Semenyo has opted for Man City, so Liverpool’s season could hinge on pursuing another versatile option capable of playing at number 9 and wide.
This is at the top of the wish list.
To put the series of terrible results behind us
Slot was under enormous pressure and should still be after overseeing a run of nine defeats from twelve games.
Fortunately, there has been an upturn in results recently, but more needs to be done in every department to ensure the team does not fall back into one defeat after another.
Consistency in performance must be found, as well as a strategic plan that gets the best out of the players, qualities that we have not been able to cheer about all season so far.
Slot must find the permanent answers.
An acquisition as a central defender in January
Marc Guehi, would you like to pose by the Christmas tree wearing a Liverpool shirt?
That would be an ideal scenario for the club, who must be kidding themselves for not getting the deal over the line this summer.
Liverpool need depth in the position. Joe Gomez’s injury should have set alarm bells ringing, and if it isn’t Guehi, Liverpool need to find the next best solution.
There is still life in this season and Liverpool need to adopt a front-foot approach.
Another piece of silverware
It certainly feels out of reach right now, but this time of year is all about dreams, and this one delivers!
The FA Cup and Champions League are set to restart after the new year, and Liverpool must ensure they are involved in the business discussion, especially as their title defense looks further afield.
Last season’s celebrations were incredible, and we want more of that feeling.
Mo Salah returns and we continue the drama
Mo Salah still has so much to offer Liverpool, and we’d love to see him back after his time at the Africa Cup of Nations and with the drama firm behind us.
Injuries to the attacker mean that a transfer to January is not really an option, so a happy medium will have to be struck between Slot and the Egyptian to get the best out of him.
This is a player who scored 34 goals last season and scored 23 goals, he didn’t become bad overnight. If Salah can find form in front of goal and Slot finds a system for him, that trophy might be a little more realistic.
Futures sorted for Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson
Comparable to this time last year, but instead of three sorting contracts there are now two.
Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate will both become free agents this summer unless an agreement is reached to extend their terms.
Both are at different stages of their careers. The former has shown why he is so important on the pitch and in the dressing room this season, while the latter is entering his prime, even if his performances have not always reflected that.
A big decision awaits the players and the club, but it must come in time, especially if a farewell has to be planned.
Liverpool will sort the queues outside Anfield
Supporters missed the kick-off at Anfield due to the introduction of 100 per cent searches for every person entering the pitch, causing large queues and long waiting times.
Even if you arrive early as advised, you may find yourself in long queues and there is yet to be a positive change in getting supporters in safely and in a timely manner.
It’s causing frustration before matches have even started, and a solution is needed from the club to ensure pre-match routines can continue and fans can arrive at the ground just looking forward to getting in.
A song for Dominik Szoboszlai
His name doesn’t exactly lend itself to fitting seamlessly into the rhythm of a song, but there’s no doubt that Dominik Szoboszlai should be the next to get the honor of a song.
He has been by far our best player this season, and he deserves one that makes Anfield bounce.
Time to make it happen.
Stocking stuffers and other wish list items
• Joe Gomez putting his injury problems behind him – and scoring that first goal!
• That Man City assessment would be nice to have. They were indicted in February 2023!
• Federico Chiesa gets more starts/minutes
• Start succession planning for Salah
• A new No. 6 in the summer, that’s a must!
• And fewer injuries, please!
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