With the Premier League season well underway, current champions Liverpool find themselves in an unexpected position – outside the top 10.
As Gameweek 13 approaches, the Reds sit 12th in the table and are the only traditional ‘big-six’ club currently in the bottom half of the table.
After a summer of heavy spending and high expectations, the question is simple: why are the champions struggling?
Transfer News Blitz writer Ellie McDevitt examines some of the key factors behind Liverpool’s slow start.
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The players who left
Liverpool saw an exodus of 20 players this summer, ranging from senior first-team starters to promising academy prospects.
The volume of departures left a significant void in the side aiming to defend its title.
One of the most notable departures was that of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The boyhood Red left after 345 appearances, 23 goals, and two Premier League titles, opting to join La Liga giants Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold wasn’t just a defender; he was a major creative force, particularly in his partnership with Mohamed Salah. His 86 assists, the most of any defender in Premier League history, have proven incredibly difficult to replace.
Another major loss was Luis Diaz, who sealed a move to Bayern Munich in a deal worth around £65.5 million.
Last season, the Colombian registered 17 goals and eight assists in all competitions. That attacking output has not been matched by any of Liverpool’s replacements, leaving a noticeable lack of end product.
An irreplaceable loss
This summer brought a tragedy far beyond football. The sudden passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva deeply shook the footballing world – and the city of Liverpool in particular.
Andrew Robertson spoke emotionally after Scotland qualified for next year’s World Cup, admitting: “I couldn’t get Diogo Jota out of my head. I was in a bit of trouble in my room earlier. I think I hid it well.”
Manager Arne Slot also echoed the sentiment, saying: “We miss the player and the person, that is completely clear. It is impossible to measure what it does to the players and our results. I would never use this as an excuse, as I simply don’t know.”
It’s evident that the emotional impact of the loss of Jota has weighed heavily on the squad, both on and off the pitch.
Star man not shining as bright
For years, Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool’s talisman – reliable, relentless, and consistently one of the Premier League’s standout performers.
At this stage last season, Salah had already contributed to 22 goals in all competitions. This year, he has managed just eight.
Now 33, the Egyptian may be feeling the effects of age.
But Arne Slot remains confident in his star man despite his dip in form. Defending Salah’s poor run, Slot said: “I still back Mo Salah to score to save my life.”
Is it all over?
With a demanding festive schedule approaching and an 11-point gap to close, Liverpool face a crucial test.
Can the champions rally and reassert themselves in the title race, or is the Premier League crown destined for someone else this season?
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