The start of the season has been tough for the Merseysiders — perhaps logically so. A new team is being built, with a new vision and a new development strategy. But what can we really expect from them, and is there any real reason for drama?

The Beginning of the Problems

Liverpool began the season with five wins out of five in the Premier League. Impressive on paper — or maybe not? What really happened in those games? The answer is simple: Liverpool won, but failed to convince. Not because they didn’t score enough goals or conceded too many, but because too many questions remain unanswered.

Let’s start with the starting eleven. And here comes the first big mystery — who are Liverpool’s undisputed starters? Who are the players around whom the team is built? Perhaps only two or three. Of course, captain Virgil van Dijk, goalkeeper Alisson, and Mohamed Salah are guaranteed names on every teamsheet. Add to them the midfield trio of Gravenberch, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai, and you’ve got roughly half the lineup figured out.

But then, the uncertainty begins. Who plays at full-back? Who partners Van Dijk in central defence? Who leads the line? Who takes the left wing? These were questions Liverpool didn’t have to ask in the past — never has there been such uncertainty around the starting eleven. Still, it’s a natural part of transition. Many new players have arrived, others have left.

Establishing a stable, balanced starting lineup is Arne Slot’s first and most important task this season. Yes, there will be changes. Yes, there will be injuries. But consistency is key — Liverpool need a core eleven that starts in 70–80% of matches, if possible.

The Wirtz Question

Florian Wirtz — the wonderkid of German football, and perhaps the biggest enigma in this Liverpool squad. Why is it so difficult to find his best position on the pitch? We must ask ourselves: what does Wirtz truly bring to the team? Technique, vision, goals, assists — it’s all in his arsenal. So why can’t he fully show it?

Or maybe he already is, but we’re not noticing. Wirtz ranks third among attacking midfielders in the Premier League for chances created — a clear indicator of his quality. But it takes time to build chemistry with new teammates. His position just behind the striker seems like the most natural fit for him at this stage.

Defensive Doubts

The questions don’t stop there. Ibrahima Konaté’s form has been inconsistent, and with less than a year left on his contract, a potential free transfer looms. The problem? Liverpool lack another top-class centre-back to partner Van Dijk. The only alternative is Joe Gomez, who was close to leaving Anfield in the summer and has a worrying injury history.

The failed move for Marc Guéhi could prove costly. Strengthening the backline must be a priority in the upcoming winter transfer window.

Meanwhile, new signings Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong are still adapting to Slot’s tactical system. They’re not fully settled yet, but their improvement feels more a matter of time than doubt. Again — patience is the keyword.

Goals Without a True Attack

Liverpool are scoring goals — that much is clear. But something still feels off in attack. Mohamed Salah looks a shadow of his former self, Alexander Isak is still not at full fitness, and Cody Gakpo has dropped out of the lineup despite a strong start.

Chiesa’s flashes of brilliance have been too inconsistent to win Slot’s full trust. Surprisingly, the brightest spark up front has been Hugo Ekitike. The Frenchman arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt with relatively low expectations despite his hefty price tag, but has impressed in several games, scoring five goals so far this season. Still, the forward line needs more time to truly click.

No Reason for Drama

Expectations around Arne Slot are understandably high. After winning the league title in his debut season, fans are demanding more — maybe too much, too soon. This time, the goal shouldn’t be instant dominance, but stability.

Players must adapt to Slot’s tactical demands, learn each other’s movements, and most importantly, stay healthy. If those conditions are met, there’s no reason to count Liverpool out of the trophy race — not yet, and not this early.

Patience and consistency were the foundations of Liverpool’s success under Klopp. The same patience must now be shown under Slot.