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Liverpool fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic this season. The arrival of Alisson Becker from Roma looks to have solved a long-standing problem, whereas signings such as Fabinho and Naby Keita have further enhanced the optimism amongst the Anfield faithful.
Here we look at 5 reasons why Liverpool could be major title contenders this season:While Manchester City absolutely ran away with the title last season (Look away United fans!), Liverpool seem to be building a solid squad of their own which the supporters would most certainly feel is good enough to go the distance in the league.
#1 A strong midfield
The departures of Philippe Coutinho and Emre Can to Barcelona and Juventus respectively left Liverpool desperately short of options in the middle of the park. The expected unavailability of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for the entire season due to an injury further complicated matters.
But Jurgen Klopp has done a commendable job in that regard, signing Fabinho and Naby Keita from Monaco and RB Leipzig respectively. Both of them are expected to be starters, having impressed in pre-season, and would add much-needed bite and energy to the Liverpool midfield.
Majority of City's success was due to the fact that their midfielders were at the top of their game. While Fernandinho did the destroyer's job perfectly, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva were two of the best midfielders in the league, providing the ammunition to Sane, Sterling and Aguero.
While Liverpool's midfielders have the talent, it would be hard to replicate what City's midfielders did last season. With that being said, they certainly have the talent to do it, and Jurgen Klopp and the Anfield faithful would be hoping they can produce their best form and lead Liverpool to the Premier League title.
#2 Terrific bench strength
It's not very hard to predict Liverpool's first choice eleven this season, barring injuries and suspensions. While Alisson would most certainly be starting in goal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Dejan Lovren and Andy Robertson are expected to make the back four, having impressed last season. Keita, Henderson and Fabinho would make up the midfield, while the much-feared front three of Firmino, Mane and Salah would be hoping to replicate their form from last season.
While Klopp would be hoping these eleven stay fit for the majority of the season, he has a variety of options on the bench who have the quality to replace these players if the need arises. Players such as Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Alberto Moreno are more than handy alternatives in defence, while James Milner, Gini Wijnaldum and Adam Lallana will be hoping to play a major part in the middle of the park.
The signing of Xherdan Shaqiri and the return of Daniel Sturridge means Liverpool can be less dependent on Mane, Firmino and Salah in the goalscoring department.
Considering how long the season is, these players are sure to come in handy and this can be considered as one of the best Liverpool squads in a long, long time.
#3 The signing of Alisson
One thing that has been missing from recent Liverpool teams is a world-class goalkeeper. Both Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius have had their chances, and haven't done enough to convince either Jurgen Klopp or the fans. So Liverpool decided to shell out a world record fee for a goalkeeper, as they signed Brazil No.1 Alisson Becker from Roma.
That the former Roma shot-stopper is keeping Manchester City star Ederson on the bench for the national team is enough evidence about how good a goalkeeper he is. Termed as the "Messi of Goalkeepers", the Brazilian has arguably been the signing of the season for Liverpool, and would be desperate to win trophies, having missed out on winning the World Cup with Brazil.
Alisson shot to fame last season, as he impressed for Roma in Serie A and the Champions League. A reliable shot-stopper who is also good on the ball, he would be a much needed calming presence in the Liverpool goal, and fans would be hoping he can produce his best form and live up to his huge price tag.
#4 A solid defence
While Liverpool have always been considered a side who leak plenty of goals, the arrival of Virgil van Dijk and the resurgence of Dejan Lovren has changed the perception a bit. Van Dijk, arguably the best centre-back in the league, has been a terrific addition to the side and looks like a true captaincy material. And while Lovren might be criticized for his previous displays, he too has looked settled with Van Dijk alongside him and is coming at the back of a superb WC campaign with Russia.
Both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson were major revelations for the Reds last season and would be looking to raise their level a notch higher. While players such as Nathaniel Clyne and Joe Gomez are expected to start on the bench, they might prove to be crucial as the season progresses. Liverpool have also been linked with Croatian World Cup star Domagoj Vida, and if they manage to sign the Besiktas star, then their defence would be one to reckon with.
#5 The front three
Arguably the best front three on the planet. Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane were a nightmare for the defenders over the world and helped Liverpool reach the Champions League final. While Salah earned the majority of the accolades for his stunning displays, and also won the Premier League Golden Boot, Mane and Firmino were brilliant too and played a major role in what can be considered a successful season for Liverpool, albeit without any trophies.
If Liverpool are to go on and win trophies this season, then these three will have to be fit and firing. While Liverpool have strengthened their midfield and defence, it'll ultimately be the goals that will win trophies for the Reds and the front three will be tasked with delivering them. If they can produce their form from last season, then Liverpool will be the team to beat come the Premier League season.
