Liverpool has reached the end of an era in the last seven months, and Jürgen Klopp will have to decide who to build his next Reds team around in the summer.
‘The end of an era,’ was how Liverpool’s night on Tuesday night was described. The Reds faced Real Madrid in a Hollywood clash at Anfield, but were humiliated 5-2, with the Champions League holders running riot.
“It’s the end of an era, and it has been for a while, some of the players don’t have the level anymore,” Thierry Henry said while covering the game for CBS Sports, and his colleague, Jamie Carragher, agreed. In his analysis, the former Anfield center-back labeled Jürgen Klopp’s men as ‘not right,’ describing Liverpool as a’shambles’ on the defensive side of the game.
With a slew of players set to leave when their contracts expire, the Reds’ manager will need to make changes in the summer. It’s unclear who Klopp will sign to kick off his renovation project, but which pillars in his current squad are worth keeping and building around? The manager already has six players within the squad around whom he must build, including future stars and established options with some miles on the clock.
Alisson Becker
To begin with, Klopp has a no-brainer between the sticks. Alisson Becker has been Liverpool’s best player this season, arguably the club’s only player to perform at his expected level.
His distribution is superb, his shot-stopping ability is nearly unrivaled, his ability to perform like a sweeper keeper is natural, and he is truly gifted when faced with one-on-one situations to manage. The Brazilian, now 30, is still relatively young for a goalkeeper and shows no signs of regress.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
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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.
Ibrahima Konaté
Ibrahima Konaté started the Champions League final for Liverpool less than a year ago, but he’s only made four Premier League starts this season due to a series of unfortunate injury setbacks. He was a key figure for France at the World Cup, but he’s struggled for fitness on Merseyside.
Konaté, who is only 23 years old, is an obvious pillar of strength for Klopp to build around. If he isn’t already one of the world’s best defenders, he will be in the near future. Like Alexander-Arnold, the Frenchman is still in his prime and could establish himself as a regular starter next season.
Virgil van Dijk
There is a small doubt about Virgil van Dijk’s inclusion, but he has earned enough trust over the last seven months to be given the benefit of the doubt. The Dutchman is now 31 years old, which explains why he may have passed his peak, but he’s still the world’s best on his day.
Van Dijk is as complete as they come, combining speed, strength, coolness, technique, and height to function as the ultimate center-back. Many fans believe he is still the best in the world, but he hasn’t been himself this season. His struggles may indicate his decline, but there is still reason to believe the Netherlands captain has a few more trophies in him.
Darwin Núñez
Darwin Nez, Merseyside’s next big thing, must be given the tools he needs to reach his potential in the coming years. Liverpool’s record signing joined the club last summer, and he’s been a truly chaotic presence ever since, scoring goals, starting fights with opponents, and generally being surrounded by chaos.
The Uruguayan striker, who is only 23 years old, has everything it takes to reach the top. He’s quick, tall, intense, direct, unpredictable, and goal-obsessed, but he’s also a diamond in the rough. If Klopp can cultivate his best qualities, he will lead Liverpool’s next great team and may even become a cult hero.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah is another player who will be dissatisfied with his form this season, despite the fact that he has still scored 19 goals in all competitions and provided nine assists. When it comes to finishing in the final third, the Egyptian international is a natural, and that innate ability does not vanish overnight.
Salah, now 30, is similar to Van Dijk in that, while he has progressed past his prime, his elite level is still high enough for him to win more trophies before retiring. The tricky forward is always available and poses an unavoidable threat, while also serving as Liverpool’s sole left-footed forward, with the exception of Harvey Elliott, who has frequently been used as a midfielder.
With a new contract in hand, Klopp will be hoping Salah follows in the footsteps of 35-year-old Karim Benzema, who scored against the Reds on Tuesday night. It’s not guaranteed, but Liverpool’s number 11 has enough left in the tank to age like fine wine.
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