As they enter the chilly December months that, so frequently, dispel the haze surrounding any team’s campaign fate, Liverpool is in a strong position.
To put it another way, Liverpool leads the Premier League by five points and is in the lead halfway through the redesigned Champions League group stage. With that unexpected loss to Nottingham Forest at Anfield still the lone stain on the record book, Arne Slot couldn’t have asked for a better start.
Although there is still work to be done in 2024–2025, Liverpool has the talent and unity to contend for the greatest awards all the way to the end.
The Reds have been crushed between football’s two great millstones, Manchester City and Real Madrid, far too frequently in recent years, so optimism on that front is frequently tempered with reluctance.
Even though the team is full of talented players, Slot and FSG will undoubtedly acknowledge the position they have claimed. However, the winter transfer window may offer a chance to add one or two significant additions. This is their ideal lineup following January.
1GK – Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker will still be the star man between the sticks, Caoimhin Kelleher his deputy, but whether the Brazilian is actually fit in January is another matter entirely.
In any case, he’s one of the best in the world, and though much is going on within the goalkeeping department at Anfield, the 30-year-old shouldn’t be going anywhere for a few years yet.
2RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold
Unfortunately, Trent Alexander-Arnold may very much be headed somewhere next year – namely, the scorching Spanish capital. He’s out of contract next summer, Liverpool’s lifeblood, the city’s golden child.
The all-inspiring right-back is supposed to stay forever, emulate Steven Gerrard, assume the captaincy and herald the new Slot-led era toward illustrious success.
Football isn’t a perfect world, and this one’s future path is a nebulous thing. He’ll be part of Slot’s plans until the end of the season, though.
3CB – Ibrahima Konate
Several Liverpool stars have really stepped up their game this season, but Ibrahima Konate might just take the cake. He’s been monstrous. The France international, so powerful, so mobile, so strong, is firmly on course for his finest season in Liverpool colours.
Just look at the underlying data. Less defensive actions bespeak maturity and positional authority. He’s coming on leaps and bounds, perhaps even outperforming his partner…
4CB – Virgil van Dijk
Like Trent, Virgil van Dijk’s contract expires at the end of the season. Widely recognised as one of the best centre-backs of his generation, the 33-year-old is still at the top of his game and will hopefully extend his trophy-filled stay on Merseyside.
5LB – Antonee Robinson
One Rob’ out, another Rob’ in. Andy Robertson’s influence has waned over the past year, and Antonee Robinson could be the perfect replacement, with reports suggesting he is at the top of Liverpool’s shopping list.
Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley has hailed the £40m-rated USMNT international as “one of the best left-backs in the world,” and with each passing performance, such lofty praise looks more justifiable.
6DM – Martin Zubimendi
The one that got away. For now. Martin Zubimendi added Merseyside to the sizeable list of destinations that he has rejected in favour of remaining in his beloved Basque Country.
But Liverpool are persistent and present a compelling case besides. The Spain international, valued at £50m, will surely wish to marry his elite-level skill set with a fitting club at some stage, hailed as one of “the best centre midfielders in the world” by his trophy-winning international boss Luis de la Fuente.
Of course, his arrival would knock another Liverpool midfielder’s playing time for six, and this may well prove to be Dominik Szoboszlai, whose energy and tenacity are all well and good, but are not sweetly matched by a potent streak befitting a roaming midfielder in a team like Liverpool.
7CM – Ryan Gravenberch
Few Reds fans would have been very upset by Ryan Gravenberch’s exit back in May because he had failed to establish himself at Anfield after joining from Bayern Munich for £34 million.
He has advanced significantly and has a strong case to be the best midfield player in the Premier League this year. Even if he is portraying Zubimendi, the two may live together in the center of Slot’s park.
8CM – Alexis Mac Allister
Alexis Mac Allister is a midfield player whose talent goes beyond statistics and other metrics, even though he may not be playing at his peak right now. He’s as smart as they come, making slick passes and punishing tackles that give Liverpool an important advantage.Imagine him as the cake’s flour, which isn’t the most flavorful ingredient but is nonetheless essential. The 25-year-old, however, isn’t opposed to a moment that steals the show.
9RW – Mohamed Salah
Rinse and repeat the Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk quandaries. If that dreaded eventuality is realised, this one might sting the most.
Mohamed Salah is 32 but still one of the most incredible forwards that English football has ever seen. He’s posted ten goals and ten more assists across 17 appearances this season, with plenty more yet to come.
10LW – Luis Diaz
Luis Diaz takes the spot on this list, but Cody Gakpo is just as important. The respective left wingers have been trying to outdo each other this season, though neither has had success in demoting their counterpart, for both have been brilliant.
This guy sure knows how to dismantle a defence. How funny, that so many Liverpool supporters were willing to cash in on him this summer. Sweet summer children that we were.
11CF – Darwin Nunez
Darwin Nunez, who is still somewhat of a mystery, is improving under Slot’s tutelage but still needs to improve his ball-striking skills if he wants to become Liverpool’s top striker.
Playing a more concentrated role this season, the Uruguayan has scored twice in four starting positions and has only missed one significant opportunity in the Premier League.
The complete dream Liverpool lineup: (DM) Martin Zubimendi, (CM) Ryan Gravenberch, (CM) Alexis Mac Allister; (RW) Mohamed Salah, (LW) Luis Diaz; (CF) Darwin Nunez; (GK) Alisson Becker; (RB) Trent Alexander-Arnold; (CB) Ibrahima Konate, (CB) Virgil van Dijk, (LB) Antonee Robinson
Even at 32, Mohamed Salah is one of the greatest forwards in English football history. This season, he has made 17 appearances and recorded 10 goals and 10 assists, with lots more to come.
10LW – Luis Diaz
On this list, Luis Diaz is ranked first, while Cody Gakpo is equally significant. This season, the left wingers have been competing against one another, but neither has been able to devalue the other because they have both been outstanding.
This dude is quite skilled at breaking down a defense. The fact that so many Liverpool fans were eager to profit from him this summer is hilarious. We were such sweet summer kids.
11CF – Darwin Nunez
Darwin Nunez, who is still somewhat of a mystery, is improving under Slot’s tutelage but still needs to improve his ball-striking skills if he wants to become Liverpool’s top striker.
Playing a more concentrated role this season, the Uruguayan has scored twice in four starting positions and has only missed one significant opportunity in the Premier League.
The complete dream Liverpool lineup: (DM) Martin Zubimendi, (CM) Ryan Gravenberch, (CM) Alexis Mac Allister; (RW) Mohamed Salah, (LW) Luis Diaz; (CF) Darwin Nunez; (GK) Alisson Becker; (RB) Trent Alexander-Arnold; (CB) Ibrahima Konate, (CB) Virgil van Dijk, (LB) Antonee Robinson