How might Liverpool line up? Strengths, weaknesses and predicted finish
Liverpool finally did it. They had waited three decades, but they at long last claimed the Premier League title. The Reds were deserving winners over the duration of the delayed campaign and they did so in fine fashion. The hard work begins now though and while Liverpool haven't made a huge impact in the transfer market as of yet, one would expect them to be challening for top spot once more come May.
Last Season
2019/20 was one to savour for Liverpool supporters as they ended their 30-year wait for a top-flight title, doing so impressively. The Reds finished the campaign 18 points clear of Manchester City, hit the back of the 85 times in the process, and conceded fewer goals (33) than any other Premier League side last season. While supporters may have wished for a better showing in the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, it was the Premier League title the club craved and they achieved their goal with seven games to spare after City's 2-1 loss at Chelsea.
The Champions League exit left a bitter taste in the mouth as Atletico Madrid ended Liverpool's hopes of back-to-back continental titles, yet with the FIFA World Club Cup to show for their efforts over Christmas, it was a season that went to plan for the Merseyside powerhouse.
Strengths
As the second highest scorers in the Premier League, and with the best defensive record in England's top tier, Liverpool's immediate XI is one that needs few, if any, tweaks and their front three once again remains one of the best in world football. The full-back pairing of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson is one to strike fear into the hearts of any opponent, while the midfield is one that suits the industrious side to Jurgen Klopp's game plan.
At the heart of the defence, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez form a daunting centre-back partnership that continues to blossom and protects goalkeeper Alisson to great effect. Indeed, that settled core group of players is arguably their greatest asset.
Weaknesses
In a side that won the Premier League title at a canter, it's difficult to really pinpoint a weakness to the Liverpool side. However, it's beyond the first XI where Jurgen Klopp may highlight a weakness to the squad. Beyond Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, quality forward options are thin on the ground. Divock Origi has come up with the goods on the big occasion in the past, but as a long-term back up solution, Liverpool can do better.
Creative thrust from central midfield is another cause for concern with Georgino Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, as effective a midfield trio they may be, lacking the eye for a defence splitting pass to afford Jurgen Klopp an alternative offensive approach. Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may be able to help link the midfield and attack, but injuries have hindered their playing time in the past. Klopp, though, is seeking to rectify this before the transfer window closes next month.
Transfer Roundup
It's a case of one in, one out for the Liverpool defence so far this summer. Dejan Lovren has departed for Zenit St. Petersburg and the funds raised from the Croat's departure all but covered the cost of Greek left-back Kostas Tsimikas. The 24-year-old joins from Olympiacos to provide competition and cover for Andrew Robertson, which in turn eases the pressure on the ageing James Milner to carry out a number of roles.
Thiago is still being heavily linked with a move to Anfield as a potential replacement for Barcelona target Georgino Wijnaldum, and the Spaniard's capture would be a huge signal of intent this summer.
Prediction
Liverpool are about to find out the strain that comes with attempting to defend a Premier League crown. After huffing and puffing for so long, they finally blew Manchester City down to end that 30-year wait for a top-flight title. With their starting XI one of the best in the world, the Reds will be well prepped to wrap up back-to-back Premier League titles.
The difficulty will come with Jurgen Klopp demanding his players dig deep to go for gold again, but the German is renowned for his motivational skills, so this shouldn't be a problem for a Liverpool side still at the peak of their powers.
Predicted League Finish: 1st
