It is no secret that Liverpool were decimated by injuries last season. But with key men like Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez returning to action, Jurgen Klopp’s side will be back with a vengeance this year.
• Manager: Jurgen Klopp
• Stadium: Anfield
• Last Season: 3rd
Klopp is preparing for his sixth full season in charge at Anfield, having won the UEFA Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League title the following year.
The Reds were nowhere near their best last term, but they have more than enough talent to challenge for the top prize this time around.
Everything was going to plan when Liverpool lost just one of their opening 16 league games last season. However, it all fell apart after Christmas.
Klopp’s men picked up just four wins in a dreadful 14-match run between December and March, dropping from first to eighth as a result.
Still, they managed to save their season in the end, sealing eight wins and two draws in their final ten games to finish third – two points ahead of Chelsea and five points behind Manchester United.
• Ibrahima Konate – RB Leipzig (£36.00m)
It was pretty clear that Liverpool needed defensive reinforcements this summer, so brining in Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig feels like a good move.
The France U21 captain already has over a century of first-team appearances under his belt and will be confident of challenging for a centre-back berth alongside van Dijk.
• Harry Wilson – Fulham (£12.60m)
• Marko Grujic – FC Porto (£8.10m)
• Taiwo Awoniyi – Union Berlin (£5.85m)
• Georginio Wijnaldum – Paris Saint-Germain (Free)
The most notable Liverpool departure this summer is Georginio Wijnaldum, who left Anfield for PSG at the end of his contract.
The Reds also picked up decent fees for Harry Wilson, Marko Grujic and Taiwo Awoniyi, accumulating over £25m for the three fringe players.
Virgil van Dijk – Although Liverpool missed multiple first-team players last season, the absence of van Dijk undoubtedly impacted the team the most.
corner since day one. My teammates for giving me energy and keeping my head up. The fans for their love, support and encouragement. And most of all, my family because without them, I’d be nothing. Thank you. The work doesn’t stop now. It’s only just starting. We keep going! 2/2 pic.twitter.com/OiNLMLO44q— Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk) July 29, 2021
corner since day one. My teammates for giving me energy and keeping my head up. The fans for their love, support and encouragement. And most of all, my family because without them, I’d be nothing. Thank you. The work doesn’t stop now. It’s only just starting. We keep going! 2/2 pic.twitter.com/OiNLMLO44q
We all know that Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino play key roles for the Reds. But without van Dijk, Liverpool are a totally different team.
Even after a woeful mid-season collapse, Liverpool still managed to finish third last term. If everyone can stay fit this season, there is no reason why they can’t challenge for the title again.
Of course, Manchester City are favourites to defend their crown. But if everything clicks for Klopp’s side, they could pip Man City to the post.