Coming into the
Premier League season there was much doubt and consternation amongst pundits who had many Liverpool questions to ask. An endless list of pundits suggested this would be a down season with Klopp leaving Anfield. With
Mo Salah, Virgil Van Dijk, and Trent Alexander Arnold on
expiring contracts many are also questioning if the side will be able to remain competitive going forward.
How Liverpool 2024-25 Has Addressed Changes
Arne Slot has added a focus on team defending which has helped to improve league performance and results this season. The endless competitions continue to effect all teams negatively and that is life these days. All clubs have to maintain deep benches to endure the never-ending competitions in which top clubs compete. Injuries are simply a harsh reality for all. So if Liverpool is “overperforming” as many say, we argue that is simply not true. They are more diligent on the field this season, possibly due to the endless pundits or due to a mixture of that and Slot doing a great job.
Liverpool Questions We Need to Be Asking
Despite some positivity at Anfield, we concede there are major questions looming.
- What about next season?
- Will Alexander Arnold go to Real Madrid?
- Will Salah and Van Dijk leave? If all do, what will that mean for Liverpool?
- Do they need to replace similar people in each role?
- How do they consider their depth at the 6 position?
- Is the most expensive player, Darwin Nunez, playing up to expectations?
- If Salah leaves could he find himself having a bigger role?
- Would that keep the team in top form?
Putting Liverpool Questions in Perspective
Forwards
Let’s think of the forwards: Salah, Jota, Gakpo, Diaz, Nunez. We think Nunez has had moments of brilliance but his slow awareness of defensive positioning glares at times on the field. The injury frequency of Jota and Diaz do create worry as well. So need they bring in a forward? They should and given the cost of Nunez and his underperforming—despite the goal last weekend—it could be best to sell him and bring in the money to pay another forward at the rate the club spent on Jota or Diaz or even at the low rate paid for Salah or Gakpo comparably. Could Chiesa find health and form?
Defenders
Virgil van Dijk is a harder question to handle and finding a top class centerback could be very expensive. At 33 years old, the question as to maintaining top form despite age looms as well. A humble suggestion is to prioritize Van Dijk as a trustworthy centerback is a key part of every successful team and he is still one of, if the not the, best in the world. This leaves the
Trent Alexander Arnold question which we think may be the easiest. He is a master on the ball with great passing and set piece acumen. That said, he is a poor 1 v 1 defender. If we consider the amount of money outside backs have been paid in the transfer market it does seems there are options at a reasonable price for this role and Connor Bradley could continue to grow in the role.
Midfielders
As to the 6 position, Endo has been mediocre at best and does not seem to be the answer they were hoping to find. MacAllister, who is more an 8, and Szoboszlai have been playing great but depth will be needed here for sure. Continued top form in the Premier League will certainly make for easier attraction in the transfer market so that may be the most important thing not only for this season but for seasons to come as well.
Conclusion
While there are so many positives, the number of Liverpool questions marks are obvious. If the club are able to answer some if not all, the amazing
Liverpool run of form might continue into next season and beyond. If not, it’s at least been of an amazing ride.
