2 games, 2 cleansheets and 6 goals later, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have begun their attempt to gain back the PL title in marauding fashion. Only Manchester City currently remain atop them, and when the two meet during the 8th game week is when things will be decided for certain.
With Manchester United fizzling out in their second game, and Chelsea almost handed a surprise by new-look Arsenal, Liverpool have firmly established themselves as the possible spoilers to yet another Pep Guardiola special.
While 2 weeks are not big enough to be accurate sample sizes, the way in which Klopp’s men went about their business during these two games was evidence enough of their intentions this season. Here’s a look at 4 reasons why Liverpool are the team to beat:
#4 A more solid defence than last season
At times last season, Liverpool’s defence turned out to be their undoing. Despite scoring a lot of goals, their lack of stability in defending caused them to drop points from winning positions, conceding 3 or more goals 5 times during the last PL season.
The arrival of Virgil Van Dijk in the winter did strengthen their backline, and now it is stronger than ever. Joe Gomez’s return from injury makes him an able partner to the Dutchman, as Gomez’s pace is important when defending against fast counters, while Van Dijk’s strength in the air makes him an asset when defending set pieces.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson raised several eyebrows with their performances last season, and it has been much of the same yet again, With Nathaniel Clyne, Ragnar Klavan and Dejan Lovren all ready and raring to go, Klopp can rotate his backline in the cups while retaining his best for the big games.
#3 An upgraded midfield
The departure of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona last summer prompted questions about whether the Red’s creativity in midfield would be compromised. Fortunately for them, they did not need much in that department thanks to a superlative season from Mohamed Salah.
Any doubts as to whether that will once again become a factor have been put to bed, not through the same channels but from a completely different angle. The procurement of Naby Keita has added a new dimension to the team, something they had very.
#2 A stacked bench
Among the teams who are picked to get their hands on the PL trophy this time, only Manchester City have a bench that is capable of matching this Liverpool squad. After a series of carefully placed investments, the Reds now have Shaqiri, Sturridge, Lallana, Milner, Moreno, Fabinho (once he is declared fit), Matip all available from the bench.
What this means is that Klopp can now rotate the lineup in the cup competitions, and not overwork the team as he did last season. While the front 3 of Mane, Salah and Firmino will still be played almost every time, the arrival of Shaqiri means that they can now be relieved of their duties earlier once the damage has been done.
#1 The natural evolution of the game
It is not surprising that the game is moving slowly towards a more attacking approach, with more and more teams opting for managers that bring in an offensive brand of football. At the time Klopp started at the Kop, his Gegenpressing was considered too taxing to be followed, and we all know how that worked in the CL last year.
Most Premier League teams are transitioning away from the defensive style – “Brexit football” as championed now only by Burnley’s Sean Dyche and Manchester United’s Jose Mourinho, now that Chelsea have freed themselves from Antonio Conte’s defensive prowess.