Liverpool’s 2024-25 season commenced with high expectations, yet it is marked by significant upheaval both on and off the pitch. The tragic passing of Diogo Jota has cast a shadow over the team, affecting morale in ways that are difficult to quantify. Compounding this loss, Trent Alexander-Arnold, widely regarded as one of the best passers in football history, transferred to Real Madrid. Additionally, the departures of key players such as Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich and Darwin Núñez to Saudi Arabia have further complicated the team’s dynamics.
With the exit of these pivotal figures, Liverpool also saw reliable backups leave, including Harvey Elliott to Aston Villa and Kostas Tsimikas to AS Roma, among others. The turnover within the squad has raised questions about the team’s ability to compete for both the Premier League and European titles.
Despite the losses, Liverpool made significant investments to strengthen their roster. They set a Premier League transfer record on two occasions, first acquiring Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen and then Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. Other notable signings included Hugo Ekitike and young fullbacks Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. The club also brought in Giorgi Mamardashvili to replace Kelleher, who had moved to Brentford.
Liverpool began the season strongly, winning their first five matches and establishing a five-point lead at the top of the league, tying the record for the largest lead after the opening phase of a season. However, by the end of their ninth match, the team suffered four consecutive defeats, marking the first time in four years they experienced such a slump, leaving them seven points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.
The dramatic fluctuations in form highlighted several underlying issues. An analysis of Liverpool’s performance reveals a troubling decline in both offensive and defensive metrics. Last season, the team averaged 2.22 adjusted goals scored per match, compared to just 1.75 this season. On the defensive side, goals conceded rose from 1.04 to 1.29.
Despite challenging fixtures—having faced eight of the top twelve teams—such performance dips were unexpected. The departures of influential players and their replacements have contributed to a noticeable shift in team dynamics. The following percentages show the minutes played by key players last season compared to their new counterparts this season:
– Diáz: 70.1%
– A. Alexander-Arnold: 69.2%
– Jota: 35.0%
– Núñez: 33.1%
– Kelleher: 26.3%
In contrast, the new signings have seen varying degrees of involvement:
– Kerkez: 73.3%
– Wirtz: 67.4%
– Ekitike: 64.1%
– Mamardashvili: 40.0%
The adjustments have not only affected the incoming players but also those who were part of last year’s squad. Cody Gakpo has become a central figure, participating in 88% of league minutes, while Dominik Szoboszlai has played every minute this season.
The recent resurgence in form, highlighted by victories over Aston Villa and a solid win against Real Madrid, suggests Liverpool may be returning to their previous strategies. Arne Slot, the team’s manager, has praised the recent performances, particularly noting the contributions of players like Conor Bradley.
In reassessing their approach, Liverpool has shifted away from the aggressive tactics that defined their play under former manager Jürgen Klopp. The team’s previous success relied heavily on a strong midfield and the creative passing of Alexander-Arnold. The current squad’s reliance on new formations and player roles has led to inconsistency, particularly in ball control and defensive solidity.
As Liverpool continues to navigate this transitional phase, the question remains: how many changes can a team endure before it affects performance? The future success of Liverpool may hinge on finding the right balance between integrating new talent while retaining the strengths of established players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
Looking ahead, the upcoming matches will be critical in determining whether Liverpool can stabilize their form and mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title. The potential for this team, with its blend of youth and experience, is undeniable, yet its cohesion remains in question. As they strive to rediscover their identity, Liverpool may need to look back at their past successes to forge a winning path forward.
