Premier League team guide: Liverpool in the spotlight

Leo Munro
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There are few more dangerous right-sided players in the Premier League than Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold
There are few more dangerous right-sided players in the Premier League than Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool came agonisingly close to winning the Quadruple in 2021-22 and will hope to push on even further this season.

Despite landing a domestic cup double, the Reds came second to Manchester City in the Premier League once again and lost the Champions League final to Real Madrid.

Jurgen Klopp has revamped his already terrifying frontline with the £65million addition of Darwin Nunez, while Mohamed Salah reaffirmed his commitment to the club by signing a new contract.

Last season: Second

For a time, an unprecedented Quadruple really looked to be on the cards for Liverpool.

The Carabao Cup was secured first at Chelsea's expense and they sealed the FA Cup against the same opponents, with both wins coming via penalty shootouts.

But City came out on top in the Premier League after taking it down to the wire. In the end, there was just a point in at as both teams recorded more than 90 points.

That left the Champions League where old foes Real Madrid lay in wait in Paris. In a game dominated by the Premier League side, Vinicius Junior's goal just before the hour mark settled it.

New faces

Darwin Nunez's Champions League performances last season convinced Liverpool to recruit the Uruguayan striker
Darwin Nunez's Champions League performances last season convinced Liverpool to recruit the Uruguayan striker

Liverpool got their major business done early, replacing Bayern Munich-bound Sadio Mane with Benfica forward Nunez.

The Uruguayan netted 34 times in all competitions last term — including six in the Champions League — and is expected to be the Reds' long-term No9.

Promising Aberdeen full-back Calvin Ramsay will add much-needed depth at right-back after moving from the Scottish Premiership side for £4.2m.

Finally, Fulham whizkid Fabio Carvalho completed his long-awaited switch from Craven Cottage for £5m.

The Portuguese starlet scored 11 and assisted seven as the Cottagers won the Championship last term.

Star man: Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah's decision to remain on Merseyside is a major boost to Liverpool's prospects
Mohamed Salah's decision to remain on Merseyside is a major boost to Liverpool's prospects

In 2021-22, Salah enjoyed his best season for Liverpool since his first year on Merseyside. 

The Egyptian bagged 23 Premier League goals and provided 13 assists, the most goal involvements of anyone in the league. 

As a result, he shared the Golden Boot with Heung-Min Son and landed the Playmaker of the Year award, as well as Goal of the Season. 

Yet international glory eluded Salah and Egypt who were beaten on penalties in the Africa Cup of Nations final by Senegal and former team-mate Mane.

Fresh from committing his future to the Reds, Salah is in the prime of his career and will be looking to avenge those disappointments.

Potential line-up

4-3-3: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.

Liverpool remain largely unchanged this season — but there has been a refresh up front.

In goal, Alisson will be shielded by Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson.

The midfield trio is comprised of skipper Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara — but expect Klopp to rotate.

Up front, Salah is joined by Nunez and January signing Luis Diaz.

Up-and-comer: Calvin Ramsay

It has been a whirlwind year for former Aberdeen right-back Ramsay who still has fewer than 40 senior appearances to his name.

After debuting for the Dons in March 2021, it was not until last term that the defender nailed down a starting spot at Pittodrie.

The 18-year-old recorded nine assists and a goal across 33 games in all competitions, earning the SFWA Young Player of the Year award.

Amid interest from several Premier League clubs, the Scotland Under-21 international moved to Anfield in a £4.2m deal — a record fee for Aberdeen — and will now provide cover for Alexander-Arnold.

The boss: Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool look set to challenge for the title once again with Jurgen Klopp at the helm
Liverpool look set to challenge for the title once again with Jurgen Klopp at the helm

Fresh from signing a surprise two-year contract extension in April, Klopp is synonymous with Liverpool.

The German tactician had been expected to walk away from the Anfield side when his existing deal ended but signed up until 2026 in pursuit of further trophies.

As well as ending the Reds' Premier League title drought in 2020, the former Borussia Dortmund coach has lifted the Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Super Cup and Club World Cup.

The reigning LMA Manager of the Year and Premier League Manager of the Season to boot, knocking City off top spot is the aim this term.

Whatever happens, the charismatic and tactically innovative Klopp will go down an Anfield legend.

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