Liverpool 2021-22 Premier League Preview

Despite suffering an injury crisis through most of the 2020/21 Premier League season, Jurgen Klopp’s side salvaged their campaign in fine fashion with eight wins in their final 10 league games to qualify for the Champions League for the 5^th consecutive season in a row.

While finishing in the Top 4 after a turbulent injury-laden season was commendable, the expectations for Jurgen Klopp will be different in his 7th year in charge at Anfield, with Liverpool hoping to challenge the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea for the Premier League title.

Transfers

Compared to other teams across the league, Liverpool have been relatively inactive in the transfer market this summer. While Jurgen Klopp’s men finished 30 points worse off last season compared to their championship-winning league total in 2019/20, the Reds are already expected to be one of the most improved sides in the league, with the likes of Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Diogo Jota and Naby Keita returning from long-term injuries.

The only major acquisition for Liverpool came towards the start of the window with the signing of centre-back Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig for £36 million. The 22-year-old Frenchman is widely regarded as one of the most promising defenders in Europe and adds significant depth and quality to Liverpool’s defence alongside the returning Van Dijk, Gomez and Matip.

Player to watch out for: Diogo Jota

Diogo Jota endured a tricky first season at Liverpool which was plagued by injuries and limited him to only 12 league starts. However, in the time he was on the pitch, the Portuguese international adapted seamlessly alongside the likes of Salah and Mane in Liverpool’s attack. While Jota couldn’t nail down a starting berth in Jurgen Klopp’s side last year, season two on Merseyside could see Jota explode onto the scenes and establish himself as one of the key pillars of the team.

Possible starting XI

Liverpool take on newly-promoted Norwich City in their opening fixture of the season, and Jurgen Klopp’s side are one of the few Premier League teams with a settled starting XI. In goal, Alisson signed a new six-year contract with the club in the summer to keep him on Merseyside till 2027, and the Brazilian continues to stand up in big moments for Liverpool between the sticks.

In defence, Virgil Van Dijk is expected to return to the starting lineup after his ACL injury last season and could partner new signing Ibrahima Konate at centre-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson occupying the full-back positions.

The midfield three acts as the engine room for this Liverpool team, and Gini Wijnaldum’s departure opens up a slot for Thiago in the starting XI alongside club captain Jordan Henderson and Fabinho – who will reprise his role at the base of midfield after deputizing as centre-back last season.

Up front, Liverpool’s front three of Sadio Mane, Mohammed Salah and Roberto Firmino pick themselves, but the emergence of Diogo Jota has ensured there is healthy competition for a place in the starting XI.

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Henderson; Salah, Mane, Firmino