Liverpool has reached the end of an era over the past seven months and in the summer, Jürgen Klopp will have to decide who to build his next Reds team around.
‘The end of an era’ is how Liverpool’s night was summed up on Tuesday night. The Reds faced Real Madrid in a Hollywood clash at Anfield, but ended up suffering a humiliating 5-2 defeat, with the holders of the Champions League running riot.
“It’s the end of an era and it has been for a little while, some of the players don’t have the level anymore,” said Thierry Henry while covering the game for CBS Sports, and his colleague, Jamie Carragher, agreed. The ex-Anfield center-back labelled Jürgen Klopp’s men as ‘not right’ in his analysis, describing Liverpool as a ‘shambles’ on the defensive side of the game.
The Reds boss must instigate an overhaul in the summer, with a whole host of players set to leave once their contracts expire. It remains to be seen who Klopp will sign to launch his renovation job, but which pillars within his current squad are certainly worth keeping and building around? Between stars of the future and established options who still have some miles left on the clock, the manager has six players already within the squad around whom he must build.
Alisson Becker
Klopp has a no-brainer between the sticks to start with. Alisson Becker has been Liverpool’s best player this season, serving as arguably the only player at the club to perform to his expected level.
His distribution is excellent, his shot-stopping is almost unrivalled, his ability to perform like a sweeper keeper is natural, and he’s truly gifted when presented with one-on-one situations to manage. Now aged 30, the Brazilian is still relatively young for a goalkeeper and he’s showing no signs of regression.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been far from his usual self this season. His defensive shortcomings were highlighted by sections of the media before the World Cup and his attacking game has also suffered a drop. In fact, he’s registered just two Premier League assists from 22 appearances this term.
Despite that, it must be remembered that Alexander-Arnold is still just 24 years old. He’s one of the few Reds players who is still very much within his prime, and his showings over the past five years suggest that he’s truly elite once allowed to form part of a functional system. Liverpool still has one of the best right-backs in the world, and arguably the best when it comes to what he offers in possession.
Ibrahima Konaté
Ibrahima Konaté started the Champions League final for Liverpool less than one year ago, but he’s made just four starts in the Premier League this season, suffering from a series of unfortunate injury setbacks. He featured as a prominent figure for France at the World Cup but on Merseyside, he’s struggled for fitness.
Aged just 23, Konaté is an obvious pillar of strength for Klopp to build around. If he isn’t already one of the best defenders on the planet, he will be in the near future. Like Alexander-Arnold, the Frenchman can still deliver his prime at Anfield, perhaps establishing himself as a fixed starter next term.
Virgil van Dijk
There is a very small question mark attached to Virgil van Dijk’s inclusion, but he’s got enough credit in the bank to be given the benefit of the doubt over the past seven months. The Dutchman is now 31 years old — which explains why he might have passed his peak — but nevertheless, he’s still probably the world’s best on his day.
Van Dijk is as complete as it gets, merging pace with strength, coolness, technique and height to operate as the ultimate center-back. He is still the best in the world in the eyes of many supporters, but he hasn’t been himself this season. His struggles could indicate his decline, but there is still enough reason to suggest the Netherlands skipper has another few trophies in him.
Darwin Núñez
The next big thing on Merseyside, Darwin Núñez must be empowered to reach his ceiling over the next few years. Liverpool’s record signing joined the club last summer, and he’s proved to be a truly chaotic presence since then by scoring goals, starting fights with opponents and generally being surrounded by anarchy.
Still just 23 years old, the Uruguayan striker has everything required to reach the very top. He’s fast, tall, intense, direct, unpredictable and goal-obsessed, but he’s also a very rough diamond. If Klopp can harvest his best traits, he will lead Liverpool’s next great team and could even become a cult hero.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah is another player who won’t be satisfied with his form this term, although it is worth noting that he’s still scored 19 goals in all competitions, while also registering nine assists. The Egyptian international is a natural when it comes to delivering in the final third, and that innate quality doesn’t just disappear overnight.
Now aged 30, Salah is similar to Van Dijk in the sense that although he might have progressed beyond his prime, his elite level is still high enough to accumulate another load of trophies before retirement. The tricky forward is always available and he offers inevitable threat, while also operating as Liverpool’s only left-footed forward, excluding Harvey Elliott, who has often been used as a midfielder.
With a new contract recently agreed, Klopp will hope that Salah follows in the footsteps of 35-year-old Karim Benzema, who scored against the Reds on Tuesday night. It isn’t guaranteed, but Liverpool’s number 11 still has enough in the tank to age like a fine wine.
