Jurgen Klopp is about to discover new Liverpool reality before latest transfer plan becomes clear

One of the key themes of Liverpool's summer has been the difficulty of assessing just where the latest iteration of Jurgen Klopp's team are at in their development.

And for those at opposite ends of the spectrum, there has been plenty of evidence to make their respective points. For the optimists, there has been much to marvel at going forward. Eighteen goals were registered in total across just five games, with all of Klopp's feted front five among those who registered.

For those whose glasses are half empty, however, the Reds have looked alarmingly easy to play through, with a lack of ample midfield protection given at times, particularly down Liverpool's right side, which looks increasingly like a bullseye for the opposition.

Four points from six so far, at home to Bournemouth and away at Chelsea, is a reasonable return, but both defensive frailties and attacking excellence have been on display already, leaving most none the wiser as to where this new-look Liverpool team are at present.

Sunday's trip to Newcastle United does at least have the potential to provide a more definitive conclusion ahead of the final week of the transfer window.

Victories away against teams who finished above them were few and far between last term, but a February visit to St James' Park ended with a 2-0 win for the Reds. Those points were the only ones collected on the road against the rest of the clubs who finished in the top six, which is a record that has to change if the Reds are serious about regaining their Champions League status. That is a theme that can be widened; Liverpool won just six of their away games last term and lost as many as eight. It simply wasn't good enough and is the reason they aren't in 23/24 European Cup.

Liv