Liverpool's positive things in this forgettable season

Although it may be challenging to identify positive aspects of Liverpool's season, it is not a coincidence that Coach Klopp expresses optimism for the team's future.

By: Leey

04/27/2023 07:38

Jurgen Klopp believes that Liverpool's future is just beginning, but whether it will be good or bad remains uncertain. Although the team has experienced a downturn, which may be expected after years of playing at the highest level, the extent of their struggles this season was unforeseen.

Last season, after 31 Premier League games, Klopp's team had only lost two, had 73 points, and had already won a trophy, with three more in their sights. This season, however, they are in seventh place, 23 points behind last season, and can only hope for a better end to the season after a long break in May. Does this mark the end of a dynasty for Liverpool? While it is easy to focus on the negatives and criticize the team, Klopp has taken a positive approach in recent weeks.

Believe it or not, there are still a few things for Liverpool fans to take comfort in despite their struggles this season.

Mohamed Salah still scores

Liverpool is a team with a high standard of performance, so by their own standards, the star players have had an inconsistent season in terms of form. However, despite missing some penalties recently, Salah continues to produce impressive numbers.

His goal against Nottingham Forest takes Salah's tally to 27 goals in all competitions this season, including 16 in the Premier League. Only Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, and a certain Norwegian player in Manchester have scored more goals than him. Additionally, Salah has more assists (7) in the Premier League than those three, as well as more than Gabriel Martinelli, Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, and Bruno Fernandes.

Mohamed Salah still scores

Salah is well on his way to scoring 30 goals for a third consecutive season, and this marks his fourth in six seasons at Liverpool. If there were concerns that his expensive contract, signed last summer, could impact his motivation, his performance on the pitch has certainly provided a clear answer.

Luis Diaz's comeback

Liverpool have heavily relied on Salah's presence on one flank, but unfortunately, they have been without the services of their other star winger for much of the season. Diaz suffered a knee injury in the defeat to Arsenal on October 8, which kept him out of action for more than 30 matches. However, the Colombian has returned to the pitch this month, giving Reds fans a glimpse of what they have been missing.

Luis Diaz Luis Diaz's comeback is important for Liverpool

Klopp has described the 26-year-old's return as "pure joy." Diaz's energy, determination, and skill from the left have been sorely missed this season, with Liverpool often lacking spark and purpose, particularly away from home. Having him back in any capacity is a significant boost, but having him back at full strength will be like adding a new world-class attacker to the team.

Diogo Jota's goal drought has come to an end

Jota ended his year-long goal drought by scoring four times in the span of just five days last week, which would have been a welcome sight for Klopp. The Portugal international has a history of scoring crucial goals for Liverpool, and his recent finishes against both Leeds and Nottingham Forest indicate that not only is he regaining full fitness after a season marred by injuries, but also that the confidence he displayed in his first 18 months at Liverpool is returning.

Diogo Jota Diogo Jota

Klopp is confident that he has a forward line that can compete with any team in the future, with Cody Gakpo performing well since his arrival in January and Darwin Nunez scoring 15 goals in his first season with the Reds despite some initial struggles. Having a fit and in-form Jota in the mix is a crucial component of this forward line.

Stefan Bajcetic has appeared

In the midst of Liverpool's bleak winter days, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of a young player sporting the No.43 jersey with his socks rolled down to his ankles - Stefan Bajcetic.

Stefan Bajcetic

Starting the season as a relative unknown, the 18-year-old has quickly made a name for himself and looks set to have a long-term future at the club. His composure on the ball, fearlessness in tackles, and ability to read the game and win second balls in midfield all suggest something special about him.

As Liverpool undergoes a midfield rebuild this summer, Bajcetic is expected to play a significant role in the team's future.

Curtis Jones had impressive performance

Jones has played nearly 100 games for Liverpool's first team, but he has yet to convince everyone that he can be a regular player. However, there have been clear signs in recent weeks that suggest he is over his injury, which has plagued him for the past nine months, and that he is grasping what is required to play regularly in the Reds' midfield.

Curtis Jones

Jones has started each of his team's last four games and has found ways to impact the game beyond his usual neat and tidy play. Klopp has stated that off-the-ball work, specifically counter-pressing, is the key to gaining a place in his team. Jones has done this as well as anyone in recent weeks, while also contributing to creating goals and maintaining possession.

Of course, he will need to do more if he hopes to maintain his spot in the team. Liverpool is going to invest in midfielders this summer, and rightly so. However, at least the 22-year-old seems ready for the fight, and the more talented, young, and motivated players Klopp has at his disposal, the better. Jones, like Bajcetic, Harvey Elliott, Fabio Carvalho, Ben Doak, and Calvin Ramsay, has the potential to make Klopp's job much easier.

The transfer window's nearly here

Liverpool's plans for the upcoming summer transfer window remain unchanged, regardless of how they finish this season. Klopp has publicly expressed his desire for reinforcements, with the focus primarily on midfield. The club has already begun work on several fronts, targeting players like Mason Mount, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister.

Mason Mount, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister is Liverpool's transfer target in the summer

A new center-back would also be desirable, particularly if Joel Matip departs, and a backup goalkeeper will be necessary if Caoimhin Kelleher seeks regular game-time. Meanwhile, Naby Keita, Roberto Firmino, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, all of whom are out of contract, are expected to leave the club. James Milner's future remains uncertain, though a new contract is still a possibility. Nat Phillips is likely to be sold, and Arthur Melo will return to Juventus after his underwhelming loan spell.

While there may be significant upheaval, Klopp sees this as an opportunity to address some of the glaring issues in his squad. In the coming weeks, he hopes to fix these problems and build a stronger team for the future.

Still having opportunity to reach top 4

Although it may seem unlikely, Liverpool's chances of finishing in the top four should not be completely discounted. The team faces a nine-point deficit to both Newcastle and Manchester United with only seven games remaining, the latter of whom has a game in hand.

However, anything can happen in the final stretch of the season, and Newcastle's schedule includes matches against Arsenal, Brighton, and Chelsea, as well as trips to relegation-threatened Everton and Leeds. Manchester United also has some challenging fixtures ahead, playing against Chelsea, Brighton, Tottenham, and in-form Aston Villa.

Liverpool still has opportunity to reach top 4

For Liverpool to have any hope of securing a top-four finish, they must focus on winning all of their remaining matches. The team has won their last two games and will need to continue their winning streak in their next seven matches.

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Written by: Leey

Leey is the reporter for Betimate. She currently has a series of articles about football. She specializes in researching football data to come up with evaluations about the tournament and predictions about the matches.

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