Arne Slot`s tactical approach has guided Liverpool to their 20th league title, achieving this feat in his inaugural year since Jürgen Klopp`s departure.
The Premier League champions have exhibited formidable dominance throughout the season, appearing destined for the title after Manchester City`s challenge faded following Rodri`s injury, while Arsenal struggled to maintain the necessary consistency amidst their own fitness concerns.
Klopp was renowned for his high-intensity football, a master of gegenpressing whose name became synonymous with that energetic, counter-attacking style.
Slot has certainly brought about changes, but some key elements remain. Mohamed Salah continues to be Liverpool`s inspiring star player, perhaps hitting his most confident and refined form yet.
Virgil van Dijk, though never underestimated, has also been consistently outstanding. Bringing the Netherlands international to the club for a record fee proved to be an inspired decision.
Virgil van Dijk`s importance for Liverpool
When Liverpool paid £75m for Southampton`s standout centre-back, rivals initially scoffed at FSG spending such a large sum on what they considered a merely `decent` defender.
He has since become a colossal, game-changing figure, long recognized as one of the best players of his generation. Jamie Carragher even stated on social media that he is `the best centre-back we`ve ever seen in the Premier League`.
The 33-year-old signed a new two-year contract in April, securing his position as Anfield`s captain until 2027. Given his crucial role in Slot`s Reds this season, securing this deal was undoubtedly a major triumph.
A tough tackler, intelligent reader of the game, and commanding presence, he embodies style, quality, and leadership – everything needed in a top defender for a team competing for major trophies.
His reliability is also key. Over his Premier League career with Liverpool, the only significant period Van Dijk has missed due to injury was after the foul by Jordan Pickford.
| Virgil van Dijk – Prem Career by Season at Liverpool | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Apps (starts) | Goals | Assists |
| 24/25 | 37 (37) | 3 | 1 |
| 23/24 | 36 (36) | 2 | 2 |
| 22/23 | 32 (32) | 3 | 1 |
| 21/22 | 34 (34) | 3 | 2 |
| 20/21 | 5 (5) | 1 | 0 |
| 19/20 | 38 (38) | 5 | 1 |
| 18/19 | 38 (38) | 4 | 2 |
| 17/18 | 14 (14) | 0 | 0 |
Liverpool identified a golden opportunity years ago and acted decisively. Now they enjoy the benefits every season. Sporting director Richard Hughes faces a busy period, but his current moves suggest Liverpool might be looking to replicate this landmark signing, in a way, in the coming weeks.
Liverpool agree terms with PL star
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have reached an agreement on personal terms with Bournemouth`s Milos Kerkez, who has reportedly `said yes` to a summer move to Merseyside. Romano noted that discussions with the Cherries are ongoing.
While Bayer Leverkusen`s Florian Wirtz remains a potential target, securing a new left-back is a top priority for Liverpool this off-season, and they are reportedly very keen on signing Kerkez.
Previous reports indicate that Bournemouth owner Bill Foley seeks a £45m fee for Kerkez, which is a considerable amount. However, Liverpool recognize a worthwhile transfer target, and this one appears to fit the bill.
Why Liverpool are desperate for Milos Kerkez
Van Dijk introduced a new standard of defensive excellence to Liverpool, and his arrival was arguably the most transformative moment for Klopp`s project, elevating the team from an exciting contender to a truly elite side.
It might seem premature to suggest Kerkez could have a similar impact, but he is genuinely one of the most promising young full-backs around. At just 21, pundit Izzy Christensen noted the `frightening thing is he`s not even at his peak yet`.
While we cannot predict exactly how good Kerkez will become, we can analyse his performance data from the past season.
| Milos Kerkez vs Andy Robertson in the Prem (24/25) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Match Stats (*per game) | Kerkez | Robertson |
| Matches (starts) | 38 (38) | 33 (29) |
| Goals | 2 | 0 |
| Assists | 5 | 1 |
| Touches* | 59.6 | 64.5 |
| Pass completion | 80% | 88% |
| Big chances created | 8 | 7 |
| Ball recoveries* | 4.4 | 3.2 |
| Dribbles* | 0.6 | 0.2 |
| Tackles + interceptions* | 2.6 | 1.8 |
| Clearances* | 2.6 | 1.3 |
| Ground duels (won)* | 3.3 (61%) | 1.6 (52%) |
Andy Robertson is undoubtedly an `absolute legend,` as Sky Sports` Carragher described him, but he is now 31 and perhaps lacks some of the explosive energy he once had, showing reduced movement and offering less creative output.
