Liverpool are in pole position to win their second Premier League title this season, sitting five points ahead of Manchester City having played a game more than their rivals.
Few expected Jurgen Klopp’s team to mount a title challenge this season but his new look side have so far proved people wrong despite dealing with injuries and absences of key players including talisman Mo Salah.
But can they hang onto the top spot come the end of the season and end Man City’s recent dominance? Here’s five reasons why they can…
Proven depth of talent
Embed from Getty ImagesLiverpool have been without several key players of late. Top goalscorer Mo Salah has been away at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Egypt, though is set to return to the club after sustaining an injury, while midfielder Wataru Endo also has international team obligations with Japan at the Asian Cup.
Moreover, the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dominik Szoboszlai, Andy Robertson, Thiago, Joel Matip and more have been injured. Yet Liverpool have continued to find a way of winning, showcasing the excellent squad depth Klopp has built up over the past couple of seasons, particularly in midfield and attack.
Liverpool are not playing at their absolute best across the full 90 minutes of games, particularly with their current absences, but have the individual talent which is enough to win games.
Van Dijk back to his best
Embed from Getty ImagesVirgil Van Dijk’s form dipped last season from the performances which had established him as one of the best defenders in the world, but this season he has been terrific and back to the Van Dijk that played a huge part in Liverpool winning trophies.
Having him in the centre of defence alongside the excellent Ibrahim Konate provides the security in front of a top goalkeeper in Alisson, allowing Liverpool to play their exciting brand of direct, attacking football and take more risks.
Nunez starting to come good
Embed from Getty ImagesLiverpool spent a huge amount to bring Darwin Nunez to the club in the summer of 2022 but the forward endured a tough start to life on Merseyside, scoring just nine league goals last season – a disappointing return considering the £85m that was spent on him.
But this season, the Uruguayan is close to surpassing last season’s total in the league with seven goals in 20 games, as well as six assists. He has still had some embarrassing misses and his wastefulness is a huge frustration but he has been a big part of the Reds sitting top of the table so far.
His speed and direct running in behind is a huge asset for Klopp and his double against Bournemouth showed what the 24-year-old can do when he is at his best. It has taken him some time, but Nunez showing the kind of form Liverpool were hoping for when they bought him is massive.
They could be even better off
Embed from Getty ImagesLiverpool might be sitting top of the league with the second most goals scored and fewest goals conceded but the reality is they could be even better off had their finishing been that bit better.
Stats from the Premier League show they have created the most big chances in the top flight this season at 54 and have also missed the joint most number of big chances with Chelsea at 41.
Conceding few and creating a lot is a good combination and if Liverpool can start taking even a few more of their chances than they are well on course for a second Premier League title under Klopp.
Mo Salah
An obvious point, but Liverpool have one of the best players in the world in Mo Salah. His injury is a worry and they will be hoping he misses no more time than he otherwise would have done for AFCON, but if he can get back fit soon then adding him back into the mix with Klopp’s other attackers is a frightening prospect.
The winger is joint top scorer in the league this season with Erling Haaland and has been playing some of his best football in a red shirt. Salah shows no signs of slowing down and he can be the difference between winning the title and not.
