Liverpool
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Liverpool: A remarkable start to the season in Merseyside

Ahmed Hasan·
FootballLiverpool
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Liverpool have won each of their first seven games – an unparalleled achievement in their history…

Liverpool continue to put in one top-notch performance after another this season. The team from Merseyside currently has a 100% record in both the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League – with the results seemingly a combination of some resolute defending and dynamic forward-play.

After the disappointment of last year’s European final, in which Real Madrid emerged victorious, Jurgen Klopp has reinforced his team and vastly improved the areas that were previously lacking. With a record-breaking goalkeeping addition, midfield reinforcements, and more depth in attack, Jurgen Klopp has built a Liverpool side capable of mounting a title challenge in England this season – and possibly go one better in Europe as well. Let’s take a look at the reasons behind Liverpool’s emphatic start:

Unwavering defence

The club’s defence has conceded just four goals in the opening seven matches, astoundingly keeping clean sheets in four of them. Much of that is down to Virgil Van Djik, who has been a rock in the centre since his arrival. The Dutchman has made 1.2 tackles and interceptions per game in the Premier League, while making a block every other game. New goalkeeper Alisson Becker, signed from AS Roma for a staggering fee of €62.5 million, has been unbeatable between the sticks (barring one glaring error against Leicester City). The Brazilian has also helped Klopp’s team build their attacks from the back better than ever before, causing them to look more threatening on the counter.

Midfield magic

Two new world-class midfield recruits over the summer, along with already hard-working and experienced players like James Milner, Jordan Henderson, and Georginio Wijnaldum, have helped Klopp build a formidable unit at Anfield. It has helped The Reds maintain 55.4% possession and 85.7% passing accuracy this season in the EPL, which are significantly better statistics compared to the start of the last campaign. Naby Keita, in particular, has been instrumental in creating chances for the forwards to thrive on. All in all, if Jurgen Klopp continues to get the best out of his midfield, Liverpool can be a major force in every competition.

Free-scoring attack

Liverpool’s front-three are replicating their sublime performances from last season. The trio of Sadio Mané, Roberto Firmino, and Mohamed Salah has netted 10 out of 17 goals for The Reds so far. Firmino even helped his side come out with all three points in a tightly-contested battle against Paris Saint Germain. He came off the bench and scored the winner in the 90th minute despite suffering an eye injury at Spurs just four days prior. The return of Daniel Sturridge from a long-term injury has also bolstered the attack, with the ex-Chelsea man scoring twice so far. Xherdan Shaqiri, another summer signing, has put in some exquisite performances as well. All these options are proving vital to Liverpool in terms of squad depth this season – a luxury they were previously devoid of.

Upcoming challenges

Liverpool are currently two points clear at the top of the table in England, and are determined to stay there. However, they’ll have to let go of their inconsistent tendencies to mount a title challenge this season. Despite walking out with all three points against big teams like Tottenham and PSG, they will have to better their performances as a tough road of fixtures lies ahead of them in both England and Europe. Undoubtedly, this could be a turning point in the season for The Reds.

Shall they fail to succeed against Chelsea and Manchester City in the league and Napoli in the Champions League, serious questions will be asked of their credentials. But if Klopp can pull his men through these two weeks, there is no telling what this Liverpool side could achieve this season.