It’s been a fantastic season so far for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool, with the Reds currently in third place and nine points behind leaders Chelsea. The ex-Dortmund boss is looking to guide Liverpool to their first league triumph in 27 years.

Over the last couple of seasons, the Reds have been in and out of the title race, with their closest pursuit coming in the 2008/09 campaign - when Rafa Benitez lost the title fight to Manchester United. The most painful effort, meanwhile, came in 2014, when a Steven Gerard slip in the 2-0 loss to Chelsea at Anfield saw Liverpool surrender a title they were in pole position to claim.

This term, Liverpool and Klopp seem like a perfect match, as the Reds have been in scintillating form -blowing teams away with the same brand of football that made the ex-Mainz boss gain world recognition during his time at Dortmund.

After those two close attempts, however, we take a look at why the Reds may miss out on the title again this season.

Lack of world-class goalkeeper

In times past, Liverpool have had decent glovesmen such as Jersey Dudek and Pepe Reina. But none were quite able to really set the football world ablaze and the same has been the case with Simon Mignolet. Jurgen Klopp saw the need to address the issue after some uninspiring displays from the Belgian last season and former Mainz no.1 Loris Karius was signed and installed but suffered an injury before the Premier Leaguestarted.

But a few weeks after his return, he began to face criticism from fans and the press for some unimpressive performances of his own, the goals he conceded in the 4-3 loss to Bournemouth and the two goals against West Ham that cost his team two points particularly standing out.

It is certainly too early to judge the German stopper as it is his first season in England. But the problem this term is the lack of patience as it is turning out to be one of the most difficult Premier League campaigns in history - clubs are afforded little luxury to make mistakes.

Jurgen Klopp has realised that and reinstalled Simon Miglonet, who has kept two clean sheets in his last two games. But the question is for how long can he be relied upon? Liverpool need a world-class stopper to mount a strong title challenge just like Thibaut Courtios at Chelsea, Petr Cech of Arsenal, Hugo Lloris at Spurs and David De Gea at Man United.

The Defence

Liverpool have always had problems with conceding goals. During the 2013/14 season for example, the Reds scored a whooping 101 league goals but conceded 50, which was one of the reasons they lost the title race.

The Reds this term are similar to the team of three years ago, as they are capable of winning games 5-3 or 4-2.  The goals they concede in those games tend to play their part in the end and the manner in which they threw away their lead against Bournemouth should worry Klopp.

They have kept just five clean sheets so far this term, including two stalemates against Man United and Southampton. But for Liverpool to be genuine contenders, they have to address the pressing issues of defending and conceding.

Champions Mentality

With the exception of Leicester City's sensational achievement last term, the winners of Premier League titles have had a load experience in their ranks. Chelsea in the 2014/15 season had the likes of John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Petr Cech John Mikel Obi and Diego Costa - players who know what it takes to win a league title. Man City have a large amount of cup and league winners in their side, whilst Man United have Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Jurgen Klopp could struggle to motivate his side’s title push when the season starts getting stretched and the pretenders are separated from the contenders. That is the time when the stuff of champions will be demanded. But at the moment, although he has an embarrassing amount of talented players and future prospects in his ranks, only James Milner knows what being a league winner is all about.

Squad Depth

The way Jurgen Klopp views football is just amazing. The German demands a high level of intensity from his side, tireless marking, fast breaks and quick plays as well as giving his players freedom to roam.

While this system has been applauded by many, it will be a shock to see Liverpool sustain it until the end of the season. The brilliant interplay between Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and co will surely break down at some point in this highly demanding top flight. That is when the depth in the side will be tested.

At the moment, there is not a lot for Jurgen Klopp to work with, as Daniel Sturidge and Alberto Moreno have definitely not understood his system. Divock Origi is surely improving and he and Adam Lallana have so far done a great job in Philippe Coutinho’s absence.

But just like Diego Costa, Sergio Aguero, Alexis Sanchez, can the Belgian be trusted to deliver when it matters the most? Jurgen Klopp will surely be thinking of bringing in more quality in January if his side are to have any chance of winning the title.