Nothing makes me happier than a future transfer being confirmed outside of the January or summer window, so when Paris Saint-Germain’s move for Julian Draxler was confirmed in December, you can imagine my excitement.
https://twitter.com/Arretsdejeu_/status/813014670311358464
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I’m willing to overlook that the German international looks like an awful tribute act to One Direction because Patrick Kluivert is such a baller. And when these images surfaced towards the end of December, as confirmation of the £34million move was all but sealed – minus the cringeworthy official club account tweeting the news – social media saw, as always, a chance to have a dig at Arsenal.
Forever linked with the former Schalke attacker, Arsene Wenger had no interest, this time, in bringing Draxler to the Emirates – don’t let that get in the way of a shit joke, though:
Wenger should bring on Draxler
— Ca ♋ (@ItsA_David) January 3, 2017
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But Draxler still had Premier League options, prior to his move to the French capital, with Liverpool interested in acquiring the signature of the German. With Jurgen Klopp clearly not happy with having 94% of all the world’s attacking midfielders.
Arsenal weren't in for him this time. Liverpool were. Though I'm still not sure what Draxler gives for that money… https://t.co/Dwqb7SVCbm
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) January 4, 2017
Klopp’s unnecessary approach for Draxler all but confirms that the Reds haven’t learnt from the failed title bid under Brendan Rodgers, back in 2013/14.
Back when Liverpool lost out to Manchester City by two points, largely due to that capitulation at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace, it highlighted that, no matter what your attacking strength, you can’t win the Premier League title on that alone.
Rodgers’ leaky backline conceded more goals than 11th placed Crystal Palace, and only three less than Hull City, who finished in 16th place.
Under Klopp now, Liverpool aren’t as strong in front of goal as Rodgers’ outfit – Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge were ridiculous – but they certainly have more goal scorers (you can argue amongst yourselves what is more important). But the defensive frailties remain, and they don’t look like they’re going to be addressed any time soon – despite them being a matter of urgency.
Liverpool dominated the game and if it wasnt for two individual defensive errors we would have won comfortably.
— lfc (@talkingpj) January 3, 2017
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The sooner Klopp, Anfield and the red side of Merseyside stop kidding themselves that Ragnar Klavan was some sort of shrewd summer transfer window business, the better.
Oh, and bundling along with two No.2 ‘keepers and Alex Manninger doesn’t exactly scream Premier League title winners of 2016/17.
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