The Reds are coming – Liverpool FC Season Preview

Written by Shaurya Singhi

The Reds of old are back. The massive European nights, the roaring stands, the passionate, exciting football, the unbelievable fairytales, and club football’s most coveted trophy. All of them are back where they belong. This rejuvenated Liverpool side – galvanized by an insanely zealous Jürgen Klopp – has once again cemented its place as one of Europe’s most elite clubs, proving time and time again that it has what it takes to compete with the very best.

Klopp is definitely one of the pivotal factors in this reawakening. His charisma and borderline obsession with the club has rubbed off on all those around him – and his tactical decisions and moves in the transfer market are nothing short of genius – just think about the likes of Salah, Robertson, Alisson, and van Dijk – the first two of which were bought for tremendous bargains. He has created a group of extremely talented players, but none that fancy themselves to be more important than the team. Klopp’s brand of football involves likable players who are willing to give their all for the team, and play fearless, attractive football.

An excellent example of this is Jordan Henderson, who arrived from Sunderland in 2010 as a decent youngster. At various points in his career, Henderson faced vehement criticism from fans for his lack of creativity, but his impressive work rate and discipline helped him force his way back to the starting eleven under Klopp – paving the way for him to captain Liverpool to their sixth European triumph. Klopp’s Liverpool is aggressive, fast and disciplined – and it is a team for which each and every player would take a bullet. One cannot imagine a fiasco similar to Kepa-Sarri take place with Jürgen in the dugout.

Read More | Jordan Henderson – Captain. Leader Of Men. Liverpool Legend? |

Each and every player that puts on the Liverpool shirt bears in mind the glittering history of the club that he is playing for, and uses that pressure to perform at unimaginable levels. Salah and Mane, both of whom are an absolute joy to watch – with their raw pace and flawless technique – are extremely humble. Firmino, almost always under the radar, is probably the most important player in the system – defending from the front with his incessant pressing. The flying full-backs, Robertson and young academy graduate Alexander-Arnold, were almost perfect last season, notching up an astounding 23 assists in the league between them, and Trent (12) providing the most number of assists by a defender. Virgil van Dijk, the Dutch colossus, and probably the best centre-back in the world, was imperious. Alisson, despite his occasional surge of the unexpected, was solid between the sticks, bagging the Premier League Golden Glove. Even players that are usually on the sidelines, like Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri, shone when called upon – the Barça semi-final belonging to Origi.

Many Scousers have been left frustrated in the transfer market till now, but Michael Edwards and Co. have good reasons to not go crazy in the transfer market. Although it cannot be said that Liverpool is not in need of some fresh legs, it is understandable that the club is not going overboard with their transfers. Perhaps a backup centre-back to partner van Dijk is required, with Gomez and Lovren both injury-prone, and Joel Matip not exactly a world-beater. Considering even a near-perfect team like City are improving themselves with the likes of Rodri, Liverpool must be careful not to get left behind.

Read More | Boom! – How Jürgen Klopp Revolutionised What We Think Of Football |

Even if no players are signed, this squad has both the capacity and the depth to pull off some stunning results. However, it is yet to be seen if they can incorporate new youth players like Brewster and Jones in the first team to further their cause, as well as offer more playing time to Oxlade-Chamberlain and Keita. The astounding heights reached by this team last season can only be commended, and it is harsh to expect the squad to better it. Such is the competition of the league that Liverpool’s record 97 points amassed would have won them the league anywhere else in the top 5 leagues, despite the others having less competition. If Klopp had gathered these 97 points with previous employers Dortmund, he would have won the league by a whopping 19 points. Regardless, if there is one constant in Liverpool since Klopp arrived, it is the upward trajectory in the league – and first is the only place left to go. Even another Champions League triumph seems possible. Is it really too much of an ask for this formidable Liverpool side?

This is the team that produced magical moments all through the campaign. This is the team that had the Golden Glove winner, two Golden Boot winners and the PFA Player’s Player of the Year on its team sheet. This is the team that broke the record for the highest points ever recorded in second place. This is the team that scored a 96-minute derby winner. This is the team that beat probably the best team in the world 4-0 without three of their star players. This is the team that keeps pushing, that never gives up, that will gegenpress till the last second. This could potentially be the team to break the 30-year curse.

As far as next season goes, we Liverpool fans are promised an intense style of play that will win over hearts, we are promised charisma and zeal, and most importantly, we are promised a fight. No matter which competition, which competitor or which place, this team will give it its every sinew, so that no matter what happens – whether we win or lose – we can hold our heads up high, wave our scarves in the cold Anfield breeze, and proudly shout at the top of our lungs, “Allez, allez, allez!”.

 El Arte Del Futbol is now an official content creator for One Football. Find more original features, Player Profiles and tactical analysis on www.elartedf.com. If you are reading this on our website, we’d like to thank you for your continuous support!