When Jürgen Klopp decided to call it quits after a stellar Liverpool career, Kopites were right to be worried. Before the charismatic German manager arrived on Merseyside, the club had the occasional flirt with the top of the Premier League, but the title never got quite close enough.
But since Klopp: four European finals (including the Champions League trophy in 2019), Liverpool’s first Premier League title, FA Cup, Community Shield, League Cup, Fifa Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and breathe. Liverpool turned into a Premier League and European force.
Well, we’re still only halfway through the season, but it looks like Jürgen left Arne Slot, a well-polished squad that’s a bona fide contender across all competitions. With the second act just underway, let’s look at the team for the rest of the season.
Goalkeepers
Liverpool has had its string of world-class keepers: Ray Clemence, Tommy Lawrence, Bruce Grobbelaar, and Pepe Reina, to name just a handful. And this year’s vintage, Alisson, is right up there amongst the best to ever play for the Kop.
Kelleher, perhaps unfortunately for him, is often referred to as the best backup goalkeeper in football. Slot was happy with the Irishman’s performances during Alisson’s lengthy absence this season.
Defenders
He’s getting up there in age, but he’s still the best in the business. Virgil van Dijk, often called a Rolls Royce defender by pundits, anchors Liverpool’s strong forward-playing back line. With his contract coming to an end, fans are getting a little angsty.
Konate has been the solid other half to the Dutchman, with Robertson and Trent the usual pairing on either flank. The familiar back four could already be a thing of the past, however, with Tsimikas replacing Roberston in Liverpool’s match against Brentford.
Trent is also likely to walk out of his contract, with Real Madrid touted as the most likely destination. That’s three players with an uncertain future; will this be their last collective hurrah?
Midfielders
The midfield has been impressive so far this season, with Ryan Gravenberch the clear standout. Increasingly looking like a bust following his transfer from Bayern Munich, it turns out all he needed was a chance and a slight tweak to his usage.
Ryan Gravenberch is the best midfielder I have ever seen
— David. (@_MaksII) November 9, 2024
He’s now showing he’s a top-class midfielder, and with a lot of untapped potential remaining. Mac Allister continues his solid form, while Szoboszlai provides a lot of energy, although Slot is pushing him to make more tangible contributions through assists and goals.
Attackers
He’s on the wrong side of 30, his contract is coming to an end, and he’s been no stranger to the tabloid rumour mill for the last six months. Yet it hasn’t phased him, Salah is having one of the best seasons of his entire career. If Liverpool wins the title, this man will win Player of the Season.
Gakpo also deserves some plaudits, continuing his form following a great Euros, and it will be interesting to see whether he can become a true mainstay of a future Liverpool front three. His goal against Manchester United was certainly sublime, but can he stay consistent year-in, and year-out?
The jury is still out on Federico Chiesa, although it is increasingly looking like his time on Merseyside will be short-lived. When he was signed for just £14 from Juventus, the Italian international was seen as one of the bargains of the summer. Injuries and the form of the rest of the attacking line, however, have limited his opportunities.
Coach: Arne Slot
Not quite a player, but a special mention must be given to Arne Slot. The ex-Feyenoord manager came in with a lot of question marks, having guided the Rotterdam club to the Eredivisie title but still an unproven manager at the top, top level.
For now, he’s the signing of the season. He’s managed to make Liverpool a more controlled side, building a cohesive defensive structure. Yet there is still plenty of creativity and talent, with his team far from boring.
Slot’s most noticeable quality thus far has been his in-game management. The phrase ‘rabbit out of a hat’ was coined for people like him, with substitutes often coming through with goals or assists. Darwin Núñez is the most recent example, scoring 2 injury-time goals against Brentford to steal the win.
Liverpool’s squad has shown it has the mettle, talent, and a manager who can put it all together. With a six-point lead and a game in hand, over halfway through the season, Kopites may finally get to celebrate a Premier League title with a proper parade.
