Fringe players that could help Liverpool retain the title this season

With Liverpool looking less likely to make a move in this January window, their squad will be tested.

This season has been one that has felt very stop-start to everyone associated with the club. With the injury list growing longer and longer and the fixtures coming thick and fast, momentum has stalled.

Interestingly, manager Jurgen Klopp told reporters that the club looked unlikely to make a move in January. He added: “No, I cannot say definitely we will not bring anyone in, it’s just not likely because of the situation in the world.”

This means that Klopp will have to look to the fringe players in his squad to make the difference. There have been questions around Liverpool's squad depth and now it is time to answer those.

With more league games, cup games, the return of the Champions League and international football coming up, the Reds will need to rotate.

With that in mind I have picked out certain fringe players who I think can have an impact this season.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

The 27-year-old has had such a stop-start career at Liverpool since his move from Arsenal back in 2017. However, the hope is that the injuries are behind in and we can see the Ox of 2017/18. The midfielder went on to score five times and registering eight assists in all competitions that season.

Looking at the Liverpool midfield there is a lack of players with electric pace who can carry the ball. We saw in that 2017/18 that Oxlade-Chamberlain was arguably one of Liverpool's most important midfielders.

His ability to break through the lines and link up with the front three was paramount to Liverpool's success that season.

Xherdan Shaqiri

His latest cameo may have come against an Aston Villa side forced to play there under 18/23 side but Shaqiri caught the eye. The Swiss winger came on with his side winning 2-1 but struggling to create chances.

After coming on in the 61st minute, Shaqiri had registered two assists by the 65th minute.

Whenever Klopp has looked to Shaqiri during his time in charge the 29-year old has rarely let his manager down. His contributions against Manchester United (3-1) and Barcelona (4-0) just show what he can do given enough minutes on the pitch. His ability to shoot outside the box could be crucial against sides that sit deep and are hard to break down.

Naby Keita

Patience appears to be running out amongst a section of Liverpool fans in regards to Keita. His lack of match fitness and seen Keita go from a player who fans had pinned their hopes on to a what could have been. However, the back-end of last season we saw Naby at his best in a Liverpool shirt.

His wonder strike against Chelsea capped off a very encouraging run of form for the Guinean midfielder. His energy and quick feet could be crucial in tight games on the run in for the title. In cagey games when Liverpool winning 1-0, his ability to keep hold of the ball under pressure can be the difference between three points and one.