Fair enough. And I agree about the speculation train. We all do it. I was just so underwhelmed by this summer transfer window. We went more backwards than forwards in my idea of what we're trying to do. If you think Klopp still has this under control then fine enough by me.
The argument could be made that we function against top sides (needed to win cups) with the GK and defence from last season. But we didn't function without Mane, or as Klopp looks at players as skillsets, his pace.
Therefore adding at least, ideally two, players who had pace to the side was critical. For me personally, I think we needed more needles players. Or players who operate in tight spaces. Chamberlain fits as a bit of both. He has shown in the handful of games he played in midfield that he can play though sides and work between the lines. It's a small sample size but we have to be hoping that is the player we can build him into in our side. He also has pace - albeit he doesn't effectively use it the same way Mane or Salah would.
But the likes of Keita & Lemar are needle players. The likes of Barcelona & Man City were always loadad with such players as they are the difference makers in a league season and you drag 3 points away from the bus parkers.
The problem is the back 6 has regressed quite badly, bar Moreno who is having a nice little comeback.
Mignolet in the last 10 games was putting up Lloris/Courtois form in terms of shot stopping. Matip & Lovren in front were giving up the lowest number of shots over the course of the season. As well as the 3rd lowest expected goals in total from those shots. Clyne at RB was a dependable option who was one of, if not the strongest player in the league in 1-v-1 defending.
This season we whoever we play at RB is easily beaten in 1-v-1s. We have given away at least 5 (maybe more) goals already where someone easily beats the right back and crosses ultimately resulting in a goal. Mignolet has regressed to his form which got him dropped for Karius last season in terms of shot stopping. Matip - who looked very reliable - now seems to alternate between that and a horror show from one week to the next. He's already ha more bad performances this season that all of last season. Lovren has also regressed badly.
The biggest regression of all is the midfield screen in front of that lot, which was outstanding at screening the back four - we conceded 0 shots from through balls or dribbles into the box last season. This season already we have conceded plenty off of through balls and almost every goal we see I can trace back to a starting point where we fail to put pressure on the ball. Plus Can and his walking... whatever that is about.
Long story short - there was reasons to be optimistic that there was something there that could be improved upon. Or, failing that, would be enough to hit our fallback targets until such time our primary targets to upgrade where available. Unfortunately Clyne's injury and the collapse in GK, CB & #6 roles means things look far worse than last season back there. It means the doom mongers for whom the sky is falling finally have their falling sky to point at and proclaim how right they were.
I always felt this summer the key thing for me was adding pace (Salah), a left back (Milner's legs have gone, or soon would and Moreno didn't look capable), a needle player (Keita) and another CB. Those were my 4 targets, we hit 3, albeit one of them with a one year delay. Never thought it was cause for panic and we should be okay for 70-75 points minimum with last seasons squad and a few key additions. I didn't anticipate Mignolet, Matip, Lovren, Clyne and our entire center midfield having this start to the season though.
