With introductions of key players in key areas, Liverpool went on to a build an even stronger team this season, the results of which are very apparent and hopeful for the club’s future.
Goalkeeping
Key player: Alisson in goal was a massive improvement
After last season’s Champions League final and Karius’ abysmal mistake, Liverpool management decided to get a new goalkeeper. They bought in Alisson Becker £66.8 million from Roma. He has kept 20 clean sheets this season in the Premier League, with only 3 of his errors leading to goals, compared to only 13 PL clean sheets last season with Karius. Alisson has a better ball distribution too, with 175 accurate overall Premier League long-balls, compared to 124 by Karius.
He is a big addition to Liverpool’s squad this season.
Defence
Key players: Gomez moving to CB, Robertson, and Alexander-Arnold getting more time on right back and the introduction of Virgil van Dijk were key tactical changes.
A big change of this season’s fortune for Liverpool lies in their defence. Liverpool have conceded only 22 goals, compared to 38 goals last seasons. This is an enormous improvement over the last year. The signing of Virgil van Dijk has been a monumental decision that paid off for them. The number of saves have seen an increase to 74 from 67 in the last season. To take and discuss a particular case, In their first eight games last season, Liverpool conceded 14 big chances, compared to only 6 this season.
Midfield and attack
Key players: Keita showed glimpses of class when he was given the opportunity, Milner and Wijnaldum have shown great defensive ability and immense individual impact. Salah, Firmino, and Mane had the same combination, they were more clinical this season.
Liverpool have scored 87 goals in this Premier League season compared to 84 last season, while that might not look like a major improvement, one have to consider the distribution of those goals scored. This year, Liverpool have scored at least 3 goals twice, scored 2 goals in 3 other games, in comparison to last year’s 3 goals in 3 games of the first 8 fixtures, but there were 8 games where they scored only 1 goal or less, where they lost some valuable points. This establishes Liverpool’s tactical shift where they have learned to nick an odd goal, and more importantly a win, in tighter situations, thanks to moments of clinical finishing in key situations.
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