And 3 Reasons Why They Might Not
Ben Trussel
Why They Might
1. Defense
For the first time in recent memory, Liverpool’s defense is strong. Very strong. Since the signing of Virgil Van Dijk in January, Liverpool’s defense has evolved greatly. Not only has Van Dijk been an absolute rock, but Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Joe Gomez have all escalated their game. Last season, they conceded 38 goals in 38 games in the league, essentially a goal per game. This season, however, their defense has been nothing short of a revelation. 15 goals conceded in 28 games, or 0.54 per game. This brings us to the next point,
2. Alisson Becker/Anyone other than Karius
The combination of the sharper back line and the fantastic talent of Alisson Becker has been outstanding for Jurgen Klopp’s men. Signed from Roma for around $86m this summer, the 26-year-old Brazilian became easily the most expensive goalkeeper in history (before Kepa’s subsequent transfer to Chelsea). Alisson has impressed across the board, apart from two mistakes (that didn’t end up affecting the games’ outcomes, both wins). He is a massive improvement from last year’s first choice, Loris Karius, who has basically become nothing more than a meme in the football world at this point after some horrific errors in high-profile games last season.
3. Depth at midfield
Another exciting new prospect for Liverpool is depth at midfield. After spending a hefty amount on three new central midfielders over the summer, and with the breakout star against Manchester City last season—Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain—nearly fit again, their midfield is looking as strong as ever. Though Naby Keita has not played particularly well in his few appearances, Fabinho and Shaqiri have been fantastic, highlighted by Shaqiri’s two goals against Manchester United, and Fabinho’s world class assist in the same game, Liverpool’s midfield looks refreshed top-notch at their best. Wijinaldum, Henderson, Milner, and Adam Lallana all have a chance to get one of those three midfield spots as well, so this healthy competition to get in the lineup will be working in the team’s favor to ensure a good midfield.
Why They Might Not
1. Depth at the back
While the first-choice players have been outstanding at the back line, injuries have only highlighted Liverpool’s scary lack of depth at the back. With Joe Gomez out, Dejan Lovren (self-proclaimed best defender in the world) steps in when fit, and it’s all downhill from there. We even saw center-midfielder Fabinho step in recently, when 3/4 of the center backs were sidelined with injury. Matip has come back into the team recently and performed well, but injuries are still very much a worry.
2. Sharpness up top
Though Mo Salah is sitting at second on the goal scorer chart, he has not yet truly found the same otherworldly form as last season. His dribbling and strength on the ball has definitely dropped off from last season, though the argument for his goal tally is not an invalid one. He may not be scoring with the same magic as last season, but as long as he’s scoring, Liverpool fans cannot complain. Apart from Salah, Sadio Mané has not found his best form yet either. Though he is getting in good positions and making good runs, he lacks the decision-making quality right now that is expected of a top player. In the final third, he seems blind to open teammates, which causes problems when he doesn’t put away the opportunity. We saw him be clinical against Watford this week, so he will need to show that he can do the same in the big games as well.
3. Manchester City
It’s no secret that City are good. Good is an understatement. Perfect is only a slight overstatement. After smashing records in an unbelievable title-winning season last season, City still look like the dominant force in the Premier League. Just 4 points behind Liverpool at the top, City are continuing to show domination with a +55 goal difference, despite slipping two weeks in a row to Crystal Palace and Leicester City. City seem to have recovered from those losses and have nearly recovered from all their injuries as well.
Just 3 players are now out with injuries (Kompany, Bravo, Mendy), though perhaps crucially, starting left-back Benjamin Mendy is out again, and backup Danilo maintains a significant gap in ability to the Frenchman. Despite the slightly weakened back line, City fans will rejoice because the elegant David Silva, key midfielder Fernandinho, and superstar Kevin De Bruyne are all back to full fitness. City’s squad depth, talent, and consistency will keep Liverpool on their toes as City continues to win games and put pressure on them to perform. With only a 1-point gap, the Reds need to keep pushing hard to get results, or the Sky-blues will make them suffer. They want to retain the title, and they will work to get it. If Liverpool doesn’t work even harder, it is still very possible for Manchester City to bring the trophy home again.
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