Liverpool’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City before the international break was hard to sugarcoat, marking their fourth consecutive away league defeat—their worst streak since Kenny Dalglish’s second spell in 2012. Yet, football is unpredictable, and their two wins at home prior to that suggested the Reds were regaining their form after last season’s Premier League triumph. The 2-0 win over Aston Villa was well-managed, and the 1-0 victory against Real Madrid showcased their best performance of the new campaign. Much of the earlier struggles were linked to underwhelming new signings, but Arne Slot’s decision to rely on the core players from last season, including veterans like Andrew Robertson, proved effective, showing that a radical overhaul wasn’t necessary.
With a break from the intense grind of league and Champions League fixtures, Slot now faces important decisions for the upcoming games, starting with Nottingham Forest at home. Many key players are available, but Hugo Ekitike’s standout performance in France’s 4-0 win over Ukraine suggests a particular change is inevitable. Ekitike, who replaced Bradley Barcola in the 67th minute, made a strong impression in just 23 minutes—taking four shots (including one that hit the woodwork), scoring his first international goal, completing all dribbles, winning most of his duels, and repeatedly causing problems with his pace and attacking instincts. His performance reinforces Slot’s previous assertion that he and Alexander Isak could operate together in Liverpool’s starting XI.
Slot should continue with the reliable core that won him the league last season while slowly integrating the new high-profile signings. The defense—Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Andrew Robertson—should remain, as should the midfield trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Alexis Mac Allister. Ekitike has earned his place as the only major summer signing to deliver on his price tag, but Isak’s return complicates the forward line. At his best, Isak is a 20+ goal Premier League striker, making it hard to leave him on the bench.
A balanced setup could see Isak leading the attack with Ekitike on the left wing, pushing out Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz for now. Gakpo could impact off the bench, while Wirtz may be better suited to European games at this stage. Mohamed Salah would operate on the right, providing creativity and goals. This plan would require only two changes from last season’s title-winning squad. With young talents like Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong waiting, there’s no rush to force new signings into the starting XI while the current core remains effective.
Gradual integration and careful tactical evolution, hallmarks of Jurgen Klopp’s tenure, could also guide Slot’s approach. Last season, the former Feyenoord manager demonstrated adaptability, giving Liverpool’s hierarchy confidence, even as he faces the challenge of managing a star-studded squad that now sits eight points behind league leaders Arsenal.
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