2018/19 Season Preview: Liverpool | OneFootball

Icon: OneFootball

OneFootball

Elliott Bretland·6 August 2018

2018/19 Season Preview: Liverpool

Article image:2018/19 Season Preview: Liverpool

Liverpool have taken the great form and feel-good factor that enveloped the club last season right through into the summer and optimism is high on Merseyside.

Jurgen Klopp’s men bulldozed their way into the top four last season in blistering style and reached the Champions League final only to be beaten by Real Madrid in what was a fine season of progress.


OneFootball Videos


Can the Reds improve on their domestic position and go one better in Europe this time around?

Here we run the rule over Liverpool ahead of the new campaign.

What has changed since last season?

Article image:2018/19 Season Preview: Liverpool

There have been a few important changes on the pitch and all have been positive moves. Klopp has bought extremely well (more on that shortly) and, perhaps just as vitally, early, improving in key positions.

Behind the scenes there has been some upheaval. The club are expected to soon confirm the departure of assistant Željko Buvač before the new season while Pepijn Lijnders has returned to Melwood as first-team coach after a spell in Holland and is a man whose input is greatly valued by Klopp.

How have they done in the transfer market?

Article image:2018/19 Season Preview: Liverpool

Very well. Naby Keita arrives to provide energy, bite and creativity in the Anfield engine room while Alisson Becker, now the world’s most expensive goalkeeper at €75m, provides a desperately needed safe pair of hands between the sticks.

Fabinho brings guile and legs with the capture of Xherdan Shaqiri providing a new dimension to Liverpool’s lethal forward three while also adding depth to the frontline.

Emre Can left for Juventus but Liverpool’s business in strengthening the centre of the park suggests the German will not be missed.

It could be argued another top-class defender to play alongside Virgil van Dijk is still an essential purchase for this Reds team to really hit the heights, however.

Who will be their key man?

Article image:2018/19 Season Preview: Liverpool

Mo Salah without a doubt. Following in the footsteps of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suárez before him, his goals helped propel Liverpool to the top. The talisman in this team, he is unstoppable at times and is key to making this Liverpool team tick.

While much of the pressure will be heaped on the shoulders of the Egyptian, expect Keita to do his fair share in having a major effect on Liverpool’s displays. Alisson, too, will play a vital role and should instantly improve the side’s goals conceded column in the table.

Who will be their top scorer?

Article image:2018/19 Season Preview: Liverpool

As above, it’s Salah again. Seemingly always in the right place at the right time, the 26-year-old found the net 44 times in 52 appearances last term and is a scorer of all different types of goals, combining electric pace and footwork with stunning accuracy.

While last season’s extraordinary figure might not be reached again, 30+ goals would still be an incredible haul.

Are there any young players we should be keeping an eye on?

Article image:2018/19 Season Preview: Liverpool

Curtis Jones. The 17-year-old midfielder plays with a maturity far beyond his years and is always positive in his play with plenty of savvy forward running and moves.

This local lad has enjoyed a stunning rise and attracted plenty of attention having impressed during pre-season – expect him to be handed a few first-team chances this season. He will take them.

As well, Joe Gomez, still only 21 remember, could start to feature more regularly at centre-back and will surely be one of England’s best defenders in the coming years.

What will Jürgen Klopp’s biggest challenge be?

Article image:2018/19 Season Preview: Liverpool

Keeping expectations in check. The Reds fanbase have not tasted domestic title success since 1990 and are desperate to get their hands on the trophy for a 19th time – some would suggest this current squad provides them with their best chance of the past 27 years.

Can you show me their home and away jersey and give it a marking out of 10?

Home shirt: 6/10. This looks too dark a shade of red to be Liverpool red to me. Nice collar though.

Away shirt: 3/10. My eyes! It’s giving me a headache.

What does Liverpool’s best XI look like?

Article image:2018/19 Season Preview: Liverpool

And finally, where will Liverpool finish in the Premier League?

I think they will improve on last season’s fourth place but have to settle for third. Still, an improvement and this would represent a very good season as they bid to close the gap