Liverpool's struggles have been well documented. The lack of finishing has been extensively discussed. Conceding soft goals has been pointed out repeatedly. Dropping points that should have been taken has been covered. Yes, all of this is true.
But, if you listen to critics, both the media as well as supporters of the club, you would think Liverpool were playing awful. As Jürgen Klopp said recently, you'd think Liverpool had zero points and were the worst team in the Premier League. If the performance we have seen from Liverpool thus far is them at their worst, then Liverpool supporters should be excited. Here are some reasons:
First is the eye test. Liverpool look to be very close to being excellent. Most games see the Reds dominating the action. Two things have resulted in Liverpool not taking more points and being in an even better position: lack of finishing and conceding easy goals. The lack of finishing to me is more down to luck. Jürgen Klopp has said the same. This happens in football, a side plays very well, gets many shots but fails to score. At times this has been the case for Liverpool. But as Klopp has said, he would be concerned if they were not creating these chances. They are creating chances at a blistering pace. The goals will come. And its not like they haven't shown the ability to score. They have put in 4 against Hoffenheim and Arsenal, and 3 against both Leicester City and Watford. Its the occasional game that they create many chances but are unable to put more away. Again, this will change. Regarding the soft goals, no doubt this has plagued the club. But again, Liverpool have largely dominated the opposition both offensively and defensively. When you only concede a couple of shots in a game you played well defensively. Yes, some of the mistakes need to be cleaned up but again Liverpool are close. Real close.
So, having documented their "struggles" lets look at where Liverpool stand in competitions. Liverpool are equal with Tottenham on points in the Premier League, just behind the top 3 clubs. This is after they have been so "poor" and unable to score while playing horrible defensively according to critics. Most clubs would love to be where Liverpool are in the table when playing poor. When they hit their stride and play at their peak the points will be theirs.
In the Champion's League, Liverpool's "struggles" have also been documented. A tie at home to Sevilla and another draw this week to Spartak on the road has Liverpool with just 2 points. Arguably they should have 6, or at least 4. But still, with 2 points they are in excellent position to advance to the knockout stage. And that is the entire goal in the Group Stage. Just advance. Liverpool could still win the group, but even if they don't they should advance by finishing second. Their next two fixtures have them playing the bottom club in the group, Maribor. If Liverpool take care of business in these games they will be in perfect position to advance. Winning in Sevilla is not out of the question after that, and if this were to happen Liverpool could win the group.
It is important to look at the Liverpool squad as well to see how much better they can be. This weeks game against Spartak was just the first game Klopp was able to play his formidable foursome together in Mane, Salah, Firmino, and Coutinho. And while they only scored one goal, Liverpool continually dismantled the defense and created chance after chance. In their first game together. More game time together will lead to better chemistry and cohesion and even better play. Coutinho has missed a large part of the early going due to fitness after skipping training in hopes of a transfer. He is back with the Reds and just hitting his stride. Sadio Mane has missed 3 games due to a red card suspension. His importance to the attack and the club are obvious. Mo Salah has been adjusting to new teammates, a new system, and new league and a new country. He will only get better.
In addition, Liverpool have yet to see two key contributors due to injury. Both are close to returning. Adam Lallana has missed all action due to a serious thigh injury. Nathaniel Clyne has been out with a back injury. Liverpool have missed both of them and will only be better when they return. At RB, without Clyne Klopp has had to rely on youngsters in Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Although both have played admirably and are important future players, they are also young and prone to mistakes. Nathaniel Clyne will immediately upgrade the defense. Lallana offers more versatility for Klopp and has shown an ability to make the most of his chances.
So far this year, Liverpool have had their issues and concerns. But still, they find themselves in position to advance out of the Group Stage of the Champion's League and are in the top 5 of the Premier League. They have done this without two key pieces in Clyne and Lallana. And, they have done this without their best playmaker for a good portion of the opening stretch in Coutinho and with one of their most important players missing 3 games due to suspension.
When Liverpool have their full squad, which they will shortly, and hit their stride their level of play will increase even further. It is exciting knowing that even in these early struggles they are still right there with the leaders and have yet to play their best. Stay tuned supporters, good times are coming!