Could Liverpool really challenge for the title this season?

Jurgen Klopp has already had a big effect on the Liverpool team

Liverpool has hit form under charismatic German boss Jurgen Klopp. On Wednesday the Reds destroyed Southampton 6-1 at St Marys in the Capital One Cup.

The result was an incredible one, but what was more incredible was the fact that Belgian youngster Divock Origi scored a hat-trick, despite looking like he couldn’t hit a cows backside with a banjo in his early Anfield career.

Liverpool heads to struggling Newcastle on Sunday afternoon looking to record another win under the affable Klopp.

A likeable guy

Sorry everybody I am starting to sound like one of those delusional Liverpool supporters that say the Reds are going to win the Premier League title every summer. Thankfully those fans are usually the armchair fans that would need a map to get to Liverpool, let alone Anfield.

As an Evertonian I am not supposed to like Liverpool’s boss, but my affection for Klopp goes back to the days he was inspiring Dortmund to overthrow Bavarian overlords Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. During Dortmund’s heady days my liking of Klopp was verging on that of a giant man crush.

Klopp proclaimed himself ‘the normal one’ on his arrival at Liverpool and maybe that is why he is such a well-liked guy. The German is usually pretty humble and modest. He does not purvey himself as something special, just a normal guy trying to achieve in life.

However, Jurgen is a special boss and it will take a manager of his skill and charisma to elevate Liverpool back to where they want to be.

Players fit into Klopp style

Since Klopp’s arrival at Anfield Liverpool have slowly improved as a team. Impressive away wins at Chelsea, Manchester City and Southampton have been examples of that ‘heavy metal’ brand of football that Klopp produced at Dortmund.

The current style of play has brought the best out of highly-rated attacking midfield pair Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino. With the temporary return to fitness of striker Daniel Sturridge, (let’s face it every return to fitness for Sturridge is temporary) Firmino is more likely to play as an attacking midfielder than as a striker like has done at times in recent games.

Firmino and Coutinho are the sort of players Klopp loves. Coutinho was in impressive form before picking-up a hamstring injury. The former-Inter star looks set to return from injury at Newcastle and will be looking to continue his outstanding run of form.

If anybody can get the best out of the mercurial talents of Firmino and Coutinho then it is Jurgen Klopp. The German’s whole game plan relies on his team having vibrant attacking players and in the Brazilian pair he has the ideal players to play in the way he wants to.

Open Premier League title race

Liverpool are currently sixth in the Premier League table, but are just six points behind league leaders Manchester City. The Reds have already won at last season’s top two in the Premier League under Klopp, so it seems that under the affable German the Reds fear nobody.

The race for the Premier League title seems as open as it has been for a long time. For a while City looked like the dominant force in the league, but then suffered injuries and form setbacks. With Sergio Aguero and David Silva back fit they could now be ready to go on a good run of form.

Arsenal looked to be in with a big shout for the title. However the Gunners now have more injuries than a blind motorbike stunt team. They also have a tendency to lie down when the going gets tough.

Manchester United has the ability to grind out results, but at times they play the sort of football that could send an insomniac asleep. The Red Devils will be a threat if the likes of Memphis Depay, Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney can find form though.

Leicester have enjoyed a fantastic campaign so far.  History tells us though that the Foxes will not quite have the staying power to sustain their challenge for the Premier League title. It would be fantastic if they could though.

Tottenham are like Liverpool, a team with quality, but regarded as outsiders in the Premier League title race. The side from north London have a talented young team and could have a big impact at the top this season.

Liverpool are now odds of 10/1 to win the Premier League title this season. The Reds are well positioned in the table and have a decent run of games to come in the next few weeks. With Jurgen Klopp in the dugout it seems anything is possible for the men from Merseyside.

A Premier League title charge may be a step too far this season, but the team is definitely in safe hands with Klopp and the future seems bright for the Reds.

Can Liverpool mount a Premier League title charge this season?