State of the Squad 2021/22
ANOTHER ARTICLE BY MARTY
As per the request of GDoc (hope you and the family are better soon, my friend), I’m going to
analyze the current Liverpool squad and try to explain whether or not we need new transfers.
While the sale of Xherdan Shaqiri makes it possible for a new signing to be brought in, I
personally think we don’t really need anything at this point. I think it’s time people stop looking
at the ages of Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, in particular, as a means to say they’re not going
to have major roles this season. As of this point in time, Jones is our internal replacement for
Gini Wijnaldum, while Elliott looks to be, at least, a midfield specialist that can be used to break
down low blocks employed by teams such as Burnley. To me, despite how young they are,
they’re not youngsters anymore, but proven first team squad members with important roles to
play. In turn, this makes two of my biggest complaints heading into the summer (namely a lack
of a replacement for Gini and an attacking creative midfielder) look non-existent at this point in
time. You may recall an earlier article that I wrote, one that essentially asked what Liverpool
needed and who had to go to facilitate it. This will be in a similar format, but, based on the
form we’ve shown thus far, this report card will be much more optimistic.
Alisson: Alisson is a world-class goalie, the only goalie that’s better than him in my opinion is
Manuel Neuer and even then Alisson is better than Neuer at times. In both games, he’s made
big saves to keep the clean sheet, showing off his incredible ability and just how important
good goalkeeping is to a successful squad. There’s nobody I’d rather have in between the
pipes for Liverpool than Alisson.
Caiomhin Kelleher: Every team needs a capable deputy goalkeeper, and Kelleher grew into
that role last year. While he had some shaky performances in the preseason, he also flashed
his brilliant reflexes and athleticism in those performances. For the cup games and the
occasional Champions League or Premier League match, Kelleher is a fine option.
Adrian: I’m fine with him being the third-string keeper as long as he never has to see the field.
The gulf between Adrian and even Kelleher at this point is massive, but if he’s a good influence
behind the scenes then I’m fine with him being here for another year.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: After a bout with COVID last year affecting his play for months, Trent
has looked like his old fantastic self so far. Still can’t believe he’s only 22, already the best right
back in world football and an incredible creative spark for this team.
Neco Williams: With Conor Bradley nipping at his heels from the academy, Neco must earn his
spot as the backup to Trent this season or risk being sold next summer to make room for the
brilliant young Irishman. His performances seemed to dip last season when asked to stand in
for an injured or ill Trent, with right back seemingly the only position in the squad that doesn’t
have reliable cover. Neco can change all that with a few solid performances, though. It’s up to
him on whether or not he wants a future here.
Andy Robertson: While he hasn’t played so far this season, Andy Robertson is still the best
left back in the world and will be for years to come. Fortunately for him, the form of Kostas
Tsimikas means Robertson can finally be rested for some games, something that hasn’t
happened since he first became the starter in 2017.
Kostas Tsimikas: One of the big surprises of the season, Kostas has emerged as an
outstanding squad member, taking a strong preseason and leaving his stamp on the team in
the wake of Robertson’s ankle injury. He finally gives us a capable deputy for Robertson,
adding to the squad depth that some perceive is nonexistent at the club. May his form
continue because he’s fun to watch. Plus, with how he has endeared himself to the fanbase,
the Greek Scouser seems to be an accurate nickname for Kostas.
Virgil van Dijk: Boy, have we missed this guy. His passing, his calm demeanor, and his reading
of the game have given Liverpool complete control in both of their games, rarely even giving
the opposition a sniff at the goal. Any worries that Virgil wouldn’t be the same after his ACL tear
are gone, replaced with optimism that our number 4 is back on top of the CB world.
Joel Matip: As brilliant as Virgil has been for us, he’s still only one half of the center of defense.
Joel Matip has put in equally brilliant performances alongside his Dutch counterpart, proving
his world class ability once more. If the addition of Dr. Andreas Schlumberger can prove to
have an impact on the fitness of those that are often injured, such as Joel, then we might be
able to see the amazing Cameroonian more often. The trickle-down effect from Schlumberger’s
appointment could prove massive to the squad.
Joe Gomez: While we haven’t seen much of Joe Gomez so far, the preseason showed both his
tremendous ability and his close friendship with Virgil. JoeGo will get his chance this season,
and if he can continue to build on his solid performances as the leader of the defense last
season, he may solidify himself as one of Liverpool’s key players for the next generation.
Ibrahima Konate: We all wanted a CB signed last season, but all good things often come to
those who wait. I can’t argue he wasn’t needed last year, but it’s better late than never when it
comes to the signing of Konate. He has looked tremendous in the preseason, looking an awful
lot like Virgil when he’s played. His passing to Minamino against Bilbao, in particular, was
superb. I can’t wait to see what this guy can do in the future.
Nat Phillips: As much as I love Nat and hope he sticks around, his lack of inclusion in anything
for weeks suggests he’s on the chopping block. I’ve always believed that he’d be great at a
mid-level Premier League team, and a team like Southampton for example seems like a great
fit. We’ll never forget your efforts, Nat, as they were integral to saving last season from
becoming a complete disaster for us.
Fabinho: I know he’s only played 30 minutes so far this season, but those 30 minutes were
incredibly impressive. Fabinho adds such an element of control to the game, the moment he
came on against Norwich we immediately played our best football of the day. He’s the best
defensive midfielder in the world and is only getting better, and he’s ours to enjoy for a long
time to come. I wish him condolences on the recent passing of his father.
Jordan Henderson: The captain immediately came into the side and had a dominant
performance against Burnley, his passing now truly among the elites in the world of football.
Much like Fabinho, he adds an element of control to the game, while his leadership demands
that the team never gives anything less than its best efforts. Another player who’s recently
signed a contract extension, Jordan Henderson will go down as a Liverpool legend and one of
the club’s greatest captains.
Thiago: While he looked a bit rusty against Burnley, Thiago is truly among the elites in football.
His reading of the game and expansive passing range give Liverpool a brilliant asset in
possession, one that can dominate the entire game using only his two feet and brilliant
knowledge. Lest we forget that, only a day after joining the club, he completely dominated
Chelsea’s midfield in the second half. I think we can reasonably expect that type of
performance on Saturday.
Curtis Jones: With no incoming reinforcements to the midfield as of this time, Curtis Jones
has massive shoes to fill with the departure of Gini Wijnaldum. However, as seen by his FA Cup
worldie against Everton, Jones (excuse my English) has the balls to fill that role accordingly.
One thing that was apparent about Jones from Day 1 was that he exudes confidence on the
pitch, while his positional knowledge heightened greatly with extended playing time last
season. He proved last year that he can fill whatever role Klopp asks of him, much like Gini,
with Jones possessing many of the same traits as our former number 5. It may seem an
ambitious step up, but Curtis Jones has never backed down from a challenge. Expect to see
much more of him this season, with improved performances likely following.
Naby Keita: While Curtis just got all the love, I’m saving a little for Naby too. He’s looked good
in his first two games, filling Gini’s old role fairly well while adding his typical energy and
incisiveness to the game. I’m hopeful that, much like Matip, we see more of Naby this season.
Klopp and Naby both seem committed to making it work here for our number 8, if he can
continue to build on his early performances we could see an excellent season from Naby, at
long last.
Harvey Elliott: And here I thought Curtis Jones had confidence. In his first game, against a
side determined to make him crack, Harvey Elliott looked like the best player on the pitch
against Burnley. Threading through passes with aplomb, attacking every space that Burnley
gave him, Elliott took control of the game early and never let go of it. If he can build on that
type of performance, Liverpool may have just developed an addition more impactful than any
outside transfer could possibly give us. Simply amazing stuff from the boy who’s 23 days older
than me. Makes me wonder what I’m doing with my life!
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: After an excellent preseason, the Ox fell flat against Norwich and
then missed out against Burnley due to becoming a father (congrats, Alex!). We know what he’s
capable of, it’s just getting that out of him consistently. If nothing else, he’s solid backup at a
few positions with the possibility of being much more.
James Milner: The elder statesman slapping those young whippersnappers into shape, Milly
put in his typical performance against Norwich, proving that he’s still a solid midfield option
even at 36. Never change, Milly. Never change.
Mo Salah: Salah is off to a roaring start, once again proving he’s the best wide attacker in
world football. He’s deserving of the Ballon d’Or and looks to be a prime candidate for his
fourth Golden Boot in five seasons. Just a one-year wonder, eh?
Takumi Minamino: While he hasn’t featured yet, Taki had an excellent preseason in which he
finally seemed to fit in with the rest of the group. Hoping we see some improved performances
from him when he gets the chance to shine.
Sadio Mane: Jock hit the nail on the head when he said Mane changed after his first goal. He
looked like the Mane of old again. If Sadio can reach his previous glories once more, Liverpool
will undoubtedly have the best strike force in the world. While his pace may leave him with age,
his intelligence and work rate mean he will be a great player for years to come.
Diogo Jota: More like DioGoal Jota. The Portuguese has gotten off to a rapid start, with two
goals in his first two games. Only Mo Salah has matched this type of proficiency in front of
goal, and that was when Salah scored 43 goals in 2017/18. If we could get that out of Jota,
we’d be well ahead of the rest of the pack.
Roberto Firmino: For years, people have tried to blame Firmino’s waning form on a lack of rest
for the Brazilian. Now that Jota has given him that rest, as well as the fans returning to Anfield,
Bobby the Entertainer looks like he’s back to his swashbuckling best. The battle between him
and Jota for a starting spot should be fierce and will get the best out of them both.
Divock Origi: Origi really has gone on a downward spiral since the 2019 Champions League,
to the point where nobody wants him. I’d like to imagine he gets a shot to impress elsewhere,
but the chances of that seem slim at this point.
So, looking at everyone, what do you think? Where do we need reinforcements? Putting it like
this, I have to admit we seem a little thin in the attack, but that might be fixed now that
Shaqiri’s gone. I don’t think transfers are really needed anywhere, especially if Jones and Elliott
step up like they seem to have done so far. It all depends on health, really. If the injury-prone
can manage to stay healthy, then this squad’s got more than enough to win the league. A team
performs better than a bunch of individuals, and when you put it like that I think Liverpool will
perform better than City.
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