A vibrant summer
Liverpool entered the new season as the reigning Premier League champions, having won their 20th title in history – equaling Manchester United's record.
Last season's championship was won with a significant points advantage (10 points ahead of runner-up Arsenal), along with the attacking style of play and organization of coach Arne Slot.
Nevertheless, the journey to defend their title this season unfolds with two contrasting facets: immense ambition in the transfer market and the immeasurable pain of loss as Diogo Jota departs forever.
The 2025 summer transfer window was a strong statement of Liverpool's ambitions. They spent over 300 million euros to bring in top players.
Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong bring speed to the two defensive flanks; Hugo Ekitike has great goal-scoring potential; and especially Florian Wirtz – England's record signing.
Wirtz is expected to become a new weapon to help Slot translate their dominance into emphatic victories, fueling their ambitions for both the Premier League and the Champions League.
The impact of the Diogo Jota case.
However, any assessment of Liverpool must take into account the impact of the shock of July 3rd, when Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car accident.
Just 11 days earlier, Jota had married Rute Cardoso – his partner and the mother of his three children. At Anfield, he was not only a sharp striker, but also one of the most beloved figures in the dressing room.
Liverpool have permanently retired the number 20 shirt at all levels and plan to build a memorial. This loss leaves a professional void and is a morale blow to the entire team.
Last season, Liverpool showed almost no signs of slowing down until the period between November and March, when they had to play 30 matches in all competitions.
Slot admitted he should have rotated his squad more, especially after losing the League Cup final to Newcastle.
Defense problem
This season, with a deeper squad, the Dutch coach will proactively rotate players to avoid burnout. However, one weakness remains unresolved: depth in the central defense.
The duo of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate were a formidable defensive shield last season. However, the former is now 34 years old and no longer possesses the same agility as before.
The recent defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Community Shield is a clear example: the Dutch center-back was beaten by Isma i la Sarr in two situations that led to goals conceded.
It can't be considered an accident. Van Dijk's two mistakes serve as a warning that Liverpool need a backup plan if Virgil runs out of steam in high-speed matches.
Giovanni Leoni has arrived. The 18-year-old Italian talent is valued at €35 million. Liverpool won't stop there: they are preparing to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, the very same club that just beat them.
Liverpool have plenty of options in attack. Ekitike scored on his debut, but Wirtz seems to need more time to adapt to English football.
Wirtz's problem
Luis Diaz's departure forced Slot to adjust his offensive plans. He wanted Wirtz to integrate as quickly as possible, given the demanding schedule.
After the opening match against Bournemouth (2 AM on August 16th), Liverpool will face Newcastle and Arsenal in quick succession – making it very difficult to achieve a perfect 9 points like they did at the start of last season.
Slot began his journey at Anfield with 11 wins in his first 12 Premier League matches. He always maintained a calm demeanor and a sound tactical approach.
After becoming the first Dutch manager to win the Premier League – matching Joe Fagan and Kenny Dalglish, who also triumphed in their debut season – he wants to maintain Liverpool's number one position.
A tough task. Crystal Palace highlighted Liverpool's defensive weaknesses, especially in the absence of Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.
In addition, rivals Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea, MU, and Tottenham have all undergone significant restructuring. Not to mention Newcastle and Aston Villa, who are poised to play the role of "dark horses".
To surpass Manchester United with 21 English league titles, Liverpool needs to demonstrate superior attacking power, as well as immediately address their defensive issues – where Van Dijk cannot remain an impenetrable shield forever.
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/premier-league-2025-26-khai-mac-tham-vong-liverpool-2432190.html
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