Pundit Robbie Savage has warned Liverpool could get 'left behind' as they find themselves as a team in 'transition' this season.
The Reds have seen a number of changes to their squad this summer, with a fresh approach needed following the departure of Sadio Mane and arrival of Darwin Nunez from Benfica. Elsewhere, mounting injuries in midfield has caused a selection headache for Jurgen Klopp, but reinforcements are expected in 2023.
Liverpool have had their worst start to a campaign under the current manager, collecting just two points out of a possible nine from their opening three games. Draws against Fulham and Crystal Palace were compounded by a disappointing defeat to Manchester United earlier this week.
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Savage believes rumoured target Jude Bellingham cannot come 'soon enough' and he's warned teams in transition quickly get left behind.
He wrote in his column for the Mirror : "On the back of that performance on Monday night, when United were there for the taking, I have to ask: What has happened to Klopp's heavy metal football? Where is that ruthless streak, that insatiable desire to win the ball back high up the pitch, the relentless press which leaves opponents camped in their own half?
"Although Klopp insists they have all bases covered in midfield, Liverpool looked short of X-factor in that department until Fabio Carvalho came on and made an impact as a sub at Old Trafford. With Thiago injured and Fabinho on the bench, Liverpool looked short of a killer pass and a creative force who could break United's lines. There has been talk over the summer of Jude Bellingham moving to Anfield.
"I don't think it can happen in this window, but unless Liverpool break the shackles of their early-season lethargy he can't come to Merseyside soon enough. This could prove to be a season where Liverpool are in transition – just months after they missed out on a Quadruple by a whisker. But in the short term, teams in transition get left behind."
Liverpool are next in action on Saturday with a home clash against Bournemouth, before they welcome Newcastle to Anfield midweek. Wins are desperately needed as they gear up for the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park next weekend.
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