Jurgen Klopp’s front men have been unstoppable of late, with Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and now Sadio Mane finding the back of the net week after week. The forwards are driving Liverpool to a vital top-four finish, and have been crucial to the club’s success in both the Premier League and the Champions League. In recent weeks, however, the back five have shown their capabilities, with Loris Karius, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson particularly impressing.
The goalkeeping situation – as we are all too familiar with – has been laughable at times, yet Karius has quickly become a regular in the side after replacing Simon Mignolet from the starting line-up. Since the switch, the German has proved his worth with some vital saves in several crucial games, often rescuing his side with great agility and perception. His confidence has undoubtedly grown since his arrival at Anfield, an arrival which started on the wrong foot due to a lack of game time.
The situation could certainly be compared to that of David De Gea upon his early Manchester United days; a goalkeeper who made mistake after mistake, yet was backed by his manager and continued in between the sticks to become the world’s best. Karius obviously has a long way to go, and still could be replaced if the club can successfully pursue Roma’s Allison, yet should he remain at Anfield, constant game time will only turn the young German into a better player.
Slightly further forward and Virgil van Dijk has already etched his name into Anfield folklore with a stunning header against fierce rivals Everton, but more importantly has steadied Klopp’s defence massively, ensuring that goals that once trickled into the back of the net are no more. His displays have been hugely impressive so far, winning countless tackles and aerial duels, all the while commanding his defensive counterparts to improve their performances. A future captain no doubt, van Dijk will have a huge role to play in the near future of the club, and will have a lasting impact at both ends of the pitch while in the red of Liverpool.
Last but not least and arguably the most impressive performer of all; Andy Robertson. Like Karius, the full-back also had a tough time upon his arrival at the club, failing to secure first team football in the early stages. An injury to Alberto Moreno did however open the door for the young Scotland international, leaving the entire Liverpool fanbase questioning their boss in just how he let the Spaniard start games ahead of the former Hull City man.
With Salah stealing the headlines as the best signing the club has made in recent seasons, the Robertson deal has somewhat slipped under the radar, but it can certainly be classified as one of the steals of the century. The full-back unquestionably has a lot of work to do, particularly in his defensive side of the game, but going forward, the 23-year-old has already shown just how dangerous he can be. Through linking up with the likes of Firmino and Salah, Robertson has undeniably cemented his place in the first team, while also providing a strong case in becoming one of the best left backs in the league.
And so, with the front three of Mane, Firmino and the deadly Egyptian Salah, Liverpool can boast one of the most formidable trios in England and indeed in world football, but the defence are slowly but surely coming into their own after a rollercoaster start to the season. Positions that have caused such worry among Reds supporters for so long now – especially in the centre of defence and at full-back – have been filled by outstanding performers who will unquestionably have a long, long future at the club.
