Salah’s Role Under the Spotlight
Mohamed Salah’s influence at Liverpool has long been defined by his devastating impact in attack. Yet, recent performances have prompted debate about whether his limited defensive contribution has become a tactical issue under Arne Slot. Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes that while Salah’s freedom to stay high up the...
Slot’s Tactical Analysis: Crystal Palace End Liverpool’s Streak
Liverpool’s unbeaten run came to an abrupt halt at Selhurst Park, and in truth, it felt like a result that had been building. Crystal Palace extended their own formidable sequence to 18 games without defeat under Oliver Glasner, and they did so by exposing tactical flaws that...
Wirtz’s Arrival Reshapes Liverpool’s Midfield Dynamics
The arrival of Florian Wirtz at Anfield for a fee potentially exceeding £116million has shifted the landscape of Liverpool’s midfield. It’s a move indicative of long-term planning but also one that poses immediate questions for head coach Arne Slot.
The Germany international, known for his vision and versatility, has predominantly...
Wirtz impresses in early showing under Slot
Florian Wirtz’s Liverpool debut was deliberately low-key – absent at Preston and limited to behind-closed-doors minutes against Stoke City. But as pre-season edges closer to competitive football, supporters have finally seen a more revealing glimpse of the club's £116million signing from Bayer Leverkusen.
Against AC Milan, Wirtz featured for...
The Big Club Energy Finally Arrives at Anfield
Liverpool fans didn’t truly know what being a “Big Club” in the transfer market felt like, until the summer of 2025.
Before this year, the most Liverpool had ever spent in a single summer window was £161.3 million (back in 2018). That number? Casually eclipsed by Manchester City...
Ekitike’s Arrival Is About More Than Just Goals
Liverpool’s £69 million swoop for Hugo Ekitike, with an additional £10 million in add-ons, is more than a blockbuster signing – it’s a statement of intent from Arne Slot. The Dutch manager’s initial moves seemed designed to slow things down, control tempo and mature the identity Klopp...
Marc Guéhi to Liverpool: Value, Risks and Fit
This is an abridged version; the full article is available free on our 'It Was Always... Liverpool' Substack page:
Premier League Experience and Tactical Flexibility
With Jarell Quansah departing, Liverpool need a centre-back who can slot in without disrupting structure. Marc Guéhi, an England international and former Crystal Palace...
Could Viktor Gyökeres Be Liverpool’s Next No. 9?
This is an abridged version; the full article by Dr Phil Barter is available on our 'It Was Always... Liverpool' Substack page:
Positional Intelligence and Movement
Viktor Gyökeres brings a rare blend of positional discipline and forward intelligence that Liverpool have lacked since Roberto Firmino’s peak. At Sporting CP,...
Why Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez Could Be Game-Changers for Liverpool’s New Era
As Liverpool transitions into the Arne Slot era, attention has quickly turned to potential reinforcements — particularly in the full-back positions. In the latest episode of the Anfield Index Under Pressure podcast, data journalist Dan Kennett was joined by Simon Brundish, Dr...
Milos Kerkez: An Exciting Prospect, But Is He the Right Fit for Liverpool?
The name Milos Kerkez has sparked no shortage of excitement, confusion and fierce debate in Liverpool circles. The Hungarian full-back has become one of the most talked-about potential arrivals under Arne Slot, but the question remains — is he truly the answer...