6 players who will play key roles in Liverpool's title challenge this season

Liverpool v West Ham United - Premier League
Mohamed Salah

Following an extraordinary FIFA World Cup experience in Russia, and a busy transfer window in England this summer, focus has now shifted to the new Premier League campaign as 20 English clubs started an intense battle in the division last weekend.

Manchester City won the coveted title last term with a whopping 100 points, and they are also on track to defend their honour this season. However, The Citizens will face stiff competition from Liverpool who have also emerged as strong contenders for the ultimate crown.

The Reds had a great transfer window, luring a number of world-class superstars to Anfield Stadium. Having introduced the likes Fabinho, Alisson Becker, Xherdan Shaqiri and Naby Keita, there is no doubt Jurgen Klopp's men are ready for a title challenge this season.

Here we highlight 6 incredible superstars that will play influential roles in their mission to claim the Premier League crown this term.


#6 Alisson Becker

Liverpool FC v West Ham United - Premier League
A great upgrade on the inconsistent Loris Karius

Liverpool broke the record for the most expensive goalkeeper in history when they signed the Brazilian International, Alisson Becker from Roma this summer. The 25 year old moved to Anfield Stadium in a deal worth £65 million after spending 2 years at the Stadio Olimpico.

Regardless of how much they paid to secure his services, The Reds achieved a great deal by signing the 25 year old. Alisson is one of the finest goalkeepers in the world at the moment, thanks to his brilliant performances for both club and country.

The Brazilian showed his class in his first Premier League outing, producing a decent performance and keeping an impressive clean sheet as Liverpool hammered West Ham 4-0 last weekend. A great upgrade on the inconsistent Loris Karius, Alisson will prove reliable between the sticks as Liverpool continue their title march this season.

#5 Virgil Van Dijk

Blackburn Rovers v Liverpool - Pre-Season Friendly
Van Dijk will provide adequate support from the back

A well-known name across the streets of Merseyside, Virgil Van Dijk will continue with his impressive displays for his club this term. This is the man who helped to improve Liverpool's defense dramatically last season after switching to Anfield during the winter transfer window.

A warrior and an experienced defender, there is no doubt Van Dijk will be a vital cog in Jurgen Klopp's team this season. The 27 year old will provide rigidity and composure at the back, neutralizing incoming attacks and helping with aerial clearances. He will also help in bringing the best out of his co-defenders, thanks to his incredible leadership skills.

The Dutch International has started the new campaign in brilliant form, producing a solid performance at the back during their opening fixture against West Ham last weekend. With him in the team, Liverpool will surely go a long way this season.

#4 Naby Keita

Bury v Liverpool - Pre-Season Friendly
The midfielder will help in filling the void Coutinho left behind

Such is the brilliance of the superstar that Jurgen Klopp was willing to wait a year for him to join his squad despite completing his deal earlier. After about 365 days of waiting, Naby Keita finally departed RB Leipzig to make his anticipated switch to Liverpool this summer.

The Guinean midfielder is well known for his physical presence on the pitch, fantastic vision, decent passing and the ability to penetrate the box and find the net whenever the chance arises. He is also a very creative player who could help in filling the hole Philippe Coutinho left behind in the team.

In his Premier League debut against West Ham last weekend, the 23-year-old showed us glimpses of what to expect from him at Anfield this season. Keita had a great game, anchoring Liverpool's midfield and providing a decent assist for Sadio Mane to net his first goal of the campaign.

#3 Sadio Mane

Liverpool FC v West Ham United - Premier League
Mane has started the season with a big bang!

The new Premier League campaign represents an opportunity for Senegalese forward, Sadio Mane to continue with his incredible influence at Anfield stadium. After an impressive campaign last term, The Reds will be counting on him to deliver again as they aim to win the Premier League title this season.

Mane will definitely play a huge role in Liverpool's ambition during the campaign, with his incredible talent, hard work and understanding with his teammates. Once again, Jurgen Klopp will rely on him to create the spark on the left flank, the 26 year old is a sure bet to impress the manager.

The attacker was recently honored with the famous number 10 jersey, that suggests how big his role will be in the team this season. Look! Mane has already started making headlines, becoming the first player to score a brace in the Premier League campaign this term.

#2 Roberto Firmino

Liverpool FC v West Ham United - Premier League
The Brazilian will improve the overall performance of the team

Underrated yet indispensable, Brazilian superstar Roberto Firmino will undoubtedly play a significant role in Liverpool's title challenge this season. Ever since he switched to Anfield in 2015, the attacker has been a real force with his scintillating performances in the English top flight.

Once again, the 26 year old will continue as Liverpool's striker in the Premier League this season. His incredible pace, superb dribbling, and amazing shooting will make him a nightmare for opposition defenders, while his incredible linkup and understanding will help bring the best out of his teammates.

As a matter of fact, his ability to contribute immensely in attack while also dropping deep to win the ball whenever the team loses possession makes him one of the most complete superstars in Jurgen Klopp's squad this term.

#1 Mohamed Salah

Liverpool FC v West Ham United - Premier League
Once again, Salah will be the heartbeat of Liverpool's attack

Following a record-breaking campaign with Liverpool in which Mohamed Salah bagged an incredible 44 goals and 16 assists for the Merseyside club across all competitions, all eyes will be on the attacker once again to take The Reds to a greater level this season.

An indispensable figure in Jurgen Klopp's team, Salah will be the heartbeat of Liverpool's attack during the campaign. The Egyptian will help in penetrating opposition defenses, creating chances for his teammates to score, as well as finding the back of the net himself.

One goal in one match represents a decent start for the attacker. He proved to us that he is not a 'one season wonder' with his electrifying performance against West Ham in their Premier League opener.

The Egyptian was lively throughout the match, tormenting the opposition defenders and bagging a world-class goal, before making way for Daniel Sturridge in the 87th minute.

Quick Links

Edited by Anthony Akatugba Jr.