The Reds striker has shared pictures and videos of his holiday on social media.
Is Danny Ings having the best lads’ holiday ever?
The Reds striker has shared pictures from his trip to Ibiza on social media, against the backdrop of turquoise sea and a lavish hotel room.
A video on Instagram showed off the I’m on Top of the World suite, at the Ushuaia Hotel, in Sant Jordi de Ses Salines, - three kilometres south of Ibiza town.
The suite will leave most green with envy, and is decked out with wine cellar, American-style bar, meeting room, dressing room and two bathrooms, according to the hotel’s website.
The 23-year-old footballer seems to be enjoying his time away from Merseyside as he soaks up the sun alongside four friends on a boat, in another of his holiday snaps.
In a second clip on Instagram shows Ings dancing along to music in the background, with the caption, “Sometimes the beat controls you”.
Ushuaïa Beach is one of the most exclusive resorts in Ibiza. Its website says guests can look forward to the highest levels of luxury and it will leave them knowing "how the gods feel".
Its club 'The Cloud' is said to be one of the best places to party, where only true VIPs are allowed in. And it has a number of yachts and boats for the use of its guests.
Jurgen Klopp's Reds appear to have a good blend of forward options at present.
It’s been a big issue at Liverpool for each of the past two summers.
Striker. Striker. Striker. Goals. Goals. Goals.
In both 2014 and 2015, the Reds’ transfer window revolved around finding that elusive frontman. They tried – and failed – to replace Barcelona-bound Luis Suarez, and then 12 months later attempted to rectify the previous year’s errors.
No fewer than six forwards have been signed in that period, at a total cost approaching £100m. The results, however, have been mixed. By the time September comes, the likelihood is that three of those six will have been moved on – without profit.
It’s a dangerous cycle, chasing your own mistakes in the transfer market. It can cost you time, money and respect. It’s a cycle Liverpool have been in for too long.
So will the summer of 2016 be the same as those that have preceded it?
Mario Gotze (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Is there any need for a frontman?
On the face of it, it shouldn’t be. Sure, Liverpool intend to be busy, and will look to strengthen both team and squad before the new campaign. It's never quiet at Melwood during the summer months.
They’ve already sealed deals for three players – a goalkeeper, a central defender and a central midfielder – and we know of interest in a left back, another central midfielder and, intriguingly, a Mario Gotze.
The striking front, though, appears quiet.
Yes, the rumour mill will continue to link Liverpool with names. Jamie Vardy and Gonzalo Higuain are just two to have cropped up in recent days. “Nothing in it,” was the word when those stories were checked out. Make of that what you will.
Are Liverpool’s forward options for 2016/17, then, already in place? And if so, are they sufficient?
Leicester City's Jamie Vardy (left) scores his sides first goal of the game during the Barclays Premier League match at the King Power Stadium, Leicester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday February 2, 2016. See PA story SOCCER Leicester. Photo credit should read: Nick Potts/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications
The statistics suggest that goalscoring was not a huge issue for the Reds last season. Their league tally of 63 was only five shy of champions Leicester City, and eight off Manchester City, the Premier League’s top scorers. They managed 14 more than Louis Van Gaal’s Manchester United.
The goals were spread, too; five of their squad reached double figures in all competitions.
Four of them will certainly be in Jurgen Klopp’s plans come January. The other, Christian Benteke, faces a battle to convince the manager of his worth, but will not be allowed to leave on the cheap. Add in Danny Ings , fit again after a long-term knee injury, and the Reds look pretty well stocked in terms of goalscorers – even if they are still too reliant on the fragile fitness of Daniel Sturridge for most fans’ liking.
A good blend?
At 26, Sturridge is the veteran of the current crop and much, as ever, will depend on his ability to stay injury-free throughout the course of next season.
He was the Reds’ leading scorer this term, his 13 goals coming from just 19 starts. He’s the best finisher, has the slickest movement and is one of the few players in the squad capable of jaw-dropping, match-winning moments in and around the penalty area. Offer Liverpool 30 games worth of Sturridge next season and they’d bite your hand off.
Daniel Sturridge celebrates with Divock Origi as he scores their second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on March 20, 2016 (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)
Alongside him Divock Origi’s progression was one of the real highlights of the campaign. The young Belgian grew in stature, presence and composure. Ten goals in his first season in a new country at the age of 20, and from just 15 starts, screams potential. He’ll only get better, you would imagine.
Likewise Roberto Firmino , whose best performances came when asked to play further forward, and whose first year in England will have taught him plenty about the demands of a league like the Premier League – and a club like Liverpool. He’ll be targeting more than his 11 goal tally of last season, and is a huge favourite of Klopp’s.
It looks a good blend, especially with Ings’ pace and willing thrown into the mix.
When chasing up Liverpool’s reported interest in Vardy, one of the reasons given to knock it down was that the club felt they already had a player of such qualities in Ings, who likes to run in behind, works tirelessly and has a decent eye for goal.
The former Burnley man will return to training early this month, and is desperate to make up for time lost last season. His presence in the squad can only benefit the Reds.
In the meantime, then, Klopp and his recruitment team will continue to work.
Unlike previous years, though, their season does not rest on their ability to find the right striker. Just the right goalkeeper, defender, winger and midfielders....
