4 Areas for Liverpool's Danny Ings to Improve on in 2015/16 Season
Danny Ings has made a slow start to life at Liverpool since making the switch from relegated Burnley on a free transfer this summer.
With just two appearances to his name so far in 2015/16, it is difficult to gauge Ings' role within Brendan Rodgers' first-team squad. But after his start in Saturday's 3-1 loss away to Manchester United, it is safe to assume he will be given the opportunity to impress throughout the campaign.
But how can Ings improve upon his move to Merseyside?
Here are four areas for the 23-year-old to address as he transitions into life as a Liverpool player, including establishing himself alongside another summer arrival.
Defensive Contribution
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In his 103 minutes of first-team action for Liverpool so far this season, Ings has looked to endear himself to the Anfield faithful with a wholehearted approach. He has showcased an impressive work rate and determination despite lacklustre results in both of his appearances—losses to West Ham United and Manchester United.
But while this Dirk Kuyt-like intensity will be lauded by the Kop, Ings will need to improve his defensive contributions to ensure this is an effective approach.
Ings is yet to make a successful tackle or interception, averaging 2.6 fouls per 90 minutes and being shown a yellow card early in his home debut against the Hammers.
No Liverpool player has averaged as many fouls per 90 minutes as Ings.
This statistic will become worrying if it is maintained when the former Burnley man is afforded more minutes by Rodgers.
Passing Play
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None of the 18 players to feature in Liverpool's 2015/16 campaign to date has a lower passing accuracy than Ings.
Completing just 62.5 percent of his attempted passes in a Reds shirt, Ings has contributed to a worryingly languid approach to buildup play from the Liverpool attack.
In the league, 10 teams have averaged a higher collective passing accuracy than Rodgers' side.
Liverpool are also tied at 11th in terms of chances created, with a paltry average of nine key passes per Premier League game—by contrast, Arsenal have averaged 17.8 key passes per game.
To help the Reds improve here, Ings will need to develop the crisp passing game that currently evades him.
Partnership with Christian Benteke
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For a brief spell toward the end of Liverpool's 3-0 loss to West Ham in August, supporters were offered a glimpse of a positive attacking partnership between Ings and fellow summer signing Christian Benteke.
Moved into a central role upon the introduction of Jordon Ibe 78 minutes in, Ings was tasked with swarming around the hulking Belgian, who has proved an invaluable attacking pivot for Rodgers.
Within seconds of Ibe coming on, Ings found himself in a position to benefit from a Benteke knock-down on the edge of the Hammers' penalty area.
Unfortunately, Benteke was unable to find his new strike partner on that occasion, but this spark of intent and intelligent movement from Ings pointed to a useful option for Rodgers.
If Ings continues to improve his relationship with Benteke on the field, they could become a strong attacking force for a goal-shy Liverpool.
Goal Return
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Liverpool are desperately short of goalscorers at present, having converted just three chances in five games. With Ings looking likely to be utilised heavily by Rodgers in a variety of attacking roles, the 23-year-old will need to improve on his goal return to aid the Reds' cause.
Last season, Ings scored 11 goals in 35 Premier League games for Burnley, and if he settles quickly, Ings could target a higher tally in Merseyside this campaign.
With the holdup play of Benteke and the service of Philippe Coutinho, Ings could be a key source of goals for Rodgers in 2015/16.
Statistics via WhoScored.com.
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