Looking at Liverpool thus far

MANILA, Philippines – When I hear and read comments about how Liverpool is doing now (on top of the Premier League for this 2024-25 season as of Tuesday, October 8), I have to shake my head, sometimes chuckle, and at times wonder at the poor memory of many or even their inferring what is going on.

Yes, it is good podcast or coffee break or even chatroom discussion if they are title challengers this season. The answer there is first, it is too early; and second, let’s wait until March or April.

Pre-Jurgen Klopp, the Reds would always do well under Rafa Benitez or even Brendan Rodgers and they would even lead around December then lose the plot come the New Year.

Under Klopp, they would go until March then either compete all the way or stumble slightly. 

Last season, people forget they had a rebuilt midfield as they brought in Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexi McAllister, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch to replace Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara.

Szoboszlai performed well early on. MacAllister was roundly scored until he found his form. Endo did very well except toward the end while Gravenberch showed flashes. Just flashes.

In my opinion, the answer there is — with a season under their belt, they have settled in. Last year, you didn’t know what to expect. They waxed hot and cold as they realized the Premier League isn’t like the leagues where they all came from. Gravenberch has improved tremendously although Endo is now grasping for playing time.

Furthermore, it is very early in this marathon and only Allison Becker has been seriously injured.

When Liverpool is complete, the team is dangerous and can compete with anyone. I guess people forget that during their title defense year, they struggled with multiple injuries and only had a few games with their best unit on the pitch at the same time. 

If we look back at the last season in all competitions (as of October 8), Liverpool started out with this 5-1-2 in the PL, 1-0 in the EFL Cup, and 2-0 for a total of eight wins, one loss and two draws.

In that span, they took on Chelsea, Aston Villa and Tottenham for a 1-1-1 record in the PL. 

That is two more matches than Liverpool has played as of October 8. Their one loss (to Tottenham) was controversial.

They led the league for much of the season but a really bad stretch began with the FA Cup quarter finals loss to Manchester United, 3-4, on March 17. Prior to that, they drew with Man City, 1-1, at Anfield.  

The month of April is where everything fell apart. United, drawing on the scoreless first round affair with the Reds in the first round drew again, 2-2, at Old Trafford.

The Reds were crushed by Atalanta 3-nil at home on April 11. Three days later, still reeling from that loss, Crystal Palace won, 1-nil at Anfield. Going to Italy for the second quarterfinals leg against Atalanta, Liverpool were bundled out after they only scored one goal, 1-0, on April 18.

Then Everton caught Liverpool at a really bad time and won at their rival’s home field for the first time in ages for a well-deserved 2-nil triumph. 

It was over. Three successive defeats in what was Fortress Anfield ended what could have been a storybook season for Liverpool. 

The Reds played a total of 58 matches (38 PL, 4 FA Cup, 6 EFL Cup, and 10 Europa League games) with only Darwin Nuñez, Cody Gakpo, Harvey Elliot, Joe Gomez, and Luis Diaz playing more than 50 games. 

Pundits have wondered if all the drama surrounding Klopp’s final season did not help. That wasn’t the only one — there was the kidnapping of Luis Diaz’ father and whether Mohammed Salah was leaving. Compounding matters was — the Fenway Sports Group put the club for sale then took it back. 
Players who spent a long period in sick bay included Allison (again), Salah, Alcantara (but we are not surprised), Joel Matip (out for the season after he sustained an early injury), Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones.

People talk about Diaz’ form right now? Well, Diaz didn’t get going until after his father was rescued following a kidnapping that took place on October 28 and ended on November 14. 

He scored two early goals then added six more post-rescue. 

Now if we want to go to the start for the season, during the PL title campaign last 2019-20, LFC started with an 8-0-1. They went 1-0 in the EFL Cup and 1-1-0 in the Champions League.

If there is a plus to this current team coached by Arne Slot, is they have conceded only one three goals and tallied six clean sheets.

Let’s take a look at this. 

• Often winning defensive duels
• Aggressive counter-pressing
• Effective double pivot
• Build up from the back
• Tactical traps followed by pressing

That is Arne Slot’s game plan, is it not?
Sure it is. 

But… it was also Klopp's, especially during his first season. Without the benefit of a full-preseason in charge, Klopp’s squad was undefeated in their first six matches. They defeated Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge and by their eighth game, trounced Man City, 4-1, at the Etihad Stadium that had everyone sitting up and taking notice. Proving that it was not a fluke, during their two squads’ next meeting at Anfield, Liverpool came away 3-0 winners.

While there were big wins, that team — understandably so — was plagued by inconsistency. 

Everyone forgets that especially in his last few seasons, Klopp did not play the Reds play that brand of match-long counter-pressing for a more selective and controlled pace with a mind for the previous injury-riddled campaign.

The difference in my opinion after thoroughly watching Slot’s team is Gravenberch’s work rate that has made a difference in the midfield, the technical finesse, more control over the offense, and tactical superiority. This has also led to fewer goals conceded although one may argue that they have played the unseeded squads. 

I beg to differ once more. It is these unheralded squads that have caused Liverpool problems in the last few years.

That is why they are where they are at the moment.

It is funny reading comments about how the club has not gone on a fire sale of players and so on. These fans who think with their blusterous emotion forget that the system put up in place when Fenway Sports Group purchased the club, has allowed this more calculated approach to the game. 

Fans want more buying of players but in the same sentence, take pride that instead of Chelsea’s busts so far, Liverpool’s remake of its midfield has been better. Take that, Gary Neville. 

They jeer Man City for its overspending that has led to investigations. Liverpool on the other hand, has been cost efficient. 

While many are signing high praises for Slot and Liverpool — I am too — but have chosen a more pragmatic approach. After all, I have seen this before.

My gripe is we are not seeing much of the young players, Darwin Nuñez, and Wataru Endo. 

The more they sit, their confidence goes down. And you will need them when the inevitable injury bug catches up.

I am enjoying where the Reds are at the moment, I’d like to see them in action against Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City to see where they really rank.

But, yes, they are good, and yes, Arne Slot is a wonderful and superb coach. A surprise signing as good as getting Szobozslai, Endo, Gravenberch and MacAllister the previous season.

As great as the signing of Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, and more. All who became household names when they arrived at Merseyside.