Liverpool’s 2025-26 Season: The Puzzle at Anfield

Unraveling the Early Season Chaos

As the 2025-26 season unfolds, Liverpool has found itself at the center of a whirlwind conundrum, marked by dizzying highs and crushing lows. Just a fortnight ago, the Reds stood perfect at the top of the Premier League table, a feat that hinted at their dominance early in the season. Yet, despite their impressive run, a cloud of uncertainty loomed over Anfield. Predictably, their victories exemplified a mix of grit and sheer luck; four of their wins came from goals secured in the dying minutes, raising skepticism among supporters and pundits alike.

In stark contrast, Liverpool has recently stumbled into a quagmire, losing three consecutive matches—a far from comforting statistic for the reigning champions. To lose two league matches in a row? That’s almost unheard of for a squad that clinched last season’s title with an iron grip. The latest setback came at the hands of Chelsea, heightening questions about manager Arne Slot’s strategies.

Managerial Decisions: Experimentation Amidst Disarray

Manager Arne Slot is faced with tough decisions as he navigates this perplexing phase. Despite a strong start that saw the Reds win their first seven matches, Slot has opted for a significant tactical overhaul that raises more questions than it answers. The decision to field Dominik Szoboszlai as a right-back in a pivotal match against Galatasaray drew intrigue, especially considering his previous role as a game-changing midfielder.

Moreover, Slot’s choice to bench club-record signing Florian Wirtz during their recent clash with Chelsea has sparked debates. How does one reconcile a winning season with the unreliability evident in recent performances? Slot’s challenges are compounded as he seeks to rediscover the synergy that once defined the Liverpool attack.

The Mohamed Salah Dilemma: Where Has He Gone?

One of the most pressing issues in Liverpool’s current form is the noticeable decline of Mohamed Salah’s prowess on the pitch. Last season, Salah was hailed as one of the best players in the world, racking up impressive statistics and crucial goals. Yet, through the opening stages of this season, his performance has fallen to disconcerting lows.

Statistics paint a stark picture: Salah has attempted just 11 shots on goal so far, a dramatic dip from the 22 he managed by the same point last season. This downturn isn’t merely an issue of inefficiency; it represents a significant decline in his overall involvement. Historically, Salah thrived on getting into the box, dictating play. However, with touches inside the penalty area plummeting to 4.71 per game compared to 9.49 last year, one can’t help but question his current role within the team.

The Loss of Key Partnerships

A crucial factor affecting Salah has been the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has seamlessly complemented Salah’s playing style over the years. The duo’s connection was unparalleled; it birthed countless goals and dynamic attacks. But as the season progresses without TAA sharing the field, the profound impact of that loss becomes increasingly evident.

This season, the Reds are averaging 185 attacking-third touches—a stark contrast to the 215 they maintained since Salah’s arrival. As a unit, they’ve struggled to gel, with Salah often left isolated. The rhythm and effective interplay that once characterized Liverpool’s attack appear disjointed, revealing the cracks in their previously solid foundation.

Gakpo and Wirtz: New Dynamics?

In a bid to revitalize the squad, slotting Wirtz and Cody Gakpo into prominent roles should have transformed Liverpool’s attack. Yet, the chemistry among them has been limited. While both players exhibit talent, their interactions are far from the fluid dynamics that once defined Liverpool’s attacking play. For example, the link-up play between Salah and Wirtz remains minimal, often resulting in a negative impact on the effectiveness of their combined touches.

This hit-or-miss relationship has manifested in the new season’s passing stats, where Gakpo has undeniably taken on a leading role. However, as Liverpool adapts to these changes, ensuring Salah thrives within this new structure remains paramount. Without nurturing these on-field partnerships, Liverpool merely risks relegating one of their greatest players to a secondary role.

The Bigger Picture: Liverpool’s Season Ahead

As Liverpool grapples with this season’s myriad challenges, several questions loom large: What is the best formation for Slot’s current squad? Can Salah adapt to a new role? How quickly can Wirtz integrate into this highly competitive team? The answers are dependent not just on individual performances, but also the ability to master tactical adjustments.

Addressing these concerns crucially depends on Slot’s capacity for adaptation amidst adversity. The road ahead may be daunting, but the potential for Liverpool to rise once again hinges on their ability to overcome this turbulent spell. With the ghosts of past seasons both haunting and guiding them, one thing is clear: Liverpool’s journey this season is anything but predictable.