Liverpool’s three players Klopp can count on and three underperformers

Jurgen Klopp admits Liverpool are in ‘a difficult period’ after Napoli humbling

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Liverpool’s stuttering start to the season was compounded last week as Jurgen Klopp’s side suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Napoli in the Champions League. Prior to that, alarm bells were already ringing with the Reds having only managed two wins in their opening six Premier League matches this term – a 9-0 thumping of a lacklustre Bournemouth and a controversial last-gasp triumph over Newcastle. Amid plenty of cause for concern at Anfield, Express Sport takes a closer look at Liverpool’s star players and their under-performers within a worrying start to the new campaign.

Star player: Luis Diaz

After dazzling over the second half of last season having been signed from Porto in a deal worth a potential £50million back in January, Luis Diaz was expected to make the step up at Liverpool this season – and he hasn’t disappointed. The Colombian winger has netted four goals in eight appearances for the Reds and proven to be one of very few bright sparks in an otherwise abject start to the season for his side.

One of those strikes came in Naples last week, where the 25-year-old was among a select few in Liverpool red who displayed any ounce of fighting spirit. Diaz has proven he is ready to accept increased responsibility this season in Sadio Mane’s absence, but can’t do it all on his own. The attacker now needs some of his team-mates to join his commitment to Klopp’s cause.

Underperformer: Mohamed Salah

While Mane’s departure to Bayern Munich was always going to be felt this season, Liverpool fans were comforted by the fact Mohamed Salah penned a new deal to commit his future to the Anfield outfit over the summer. Last season’s joint Premier League Golden Boot winner has been in relentless goalscoring form ever since arriving on Merseyside from Roma back in 2017, but this term, something seems amiss.

The Egyptian, who bagged 23 Premier League goals last campaign, has mustered just two in six appearances this time round – some eight strikes shy of current goalscoring table-topper Erling Haaland. The 30-year-old even failed to score in the Reds’ rampant 9-0 battering of Bournemouth, squandering a number of golden opportunities.

Usually such a calm and composed figure, Salah appears to be feeling the pressure in Mane’s absence, while a struggle to forge a fruitful connection with summer signing Darwin Nunez hasn’t helped matters either.

Star player: Alisson

One player Klopp has continued to be able to depend on is the ever-reliable Alisson in goal. Last season’s joint Premier League Golden Glove winner has remained a safe pair of hands between the sticks, even if he only has two clean sheets from Liverpool’s first six league outings to show for it.

The Brazilian has found himself up against it this term as Klopp’s blundering back four have looked alarmingly disorganised and devoid of confidence. The Reds’ high line has also seen Alisson left exposed on numerous occasions this season, but make no mistake, it would have been a far more worrying start had the 29-year-old not played his part.

Underperformer: Trent Alexander-Arnold

Arguably one of the biggest disappointments of this season, Trent Alexander-Arnold has found himself on the end of some heavy criticism in recent weeks The right-back contributed a mammoth 12 assists for Liverpool in the Premier League last term – and another seven in various other competitions – to secure a spot in the PFA’s Team of the Year.

However, this campaign, the 23-year-old has looked like the weak link in the Reds’ struggling side. Alexander-Arnold has continuously been caught out positionally and his lack of desire to embrace his defensive duties has been highlighted time and time again. Once lauded as potentially the best right-back in world football, the England international is in serious danger of being dropped.

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Star player: Harvey Elliott

One of the most telling concerns from Liverpool’s season so far has been the lack of fight within their squad. Klopp’s team have been renowned for their togetherness and commitment to the cause in recent years, however this term, that has been seriously called into question. One player who cannot be accused of not giving his all, however, is Harvey Elliott.

The 19-year-old has featured in all of Liverpool’s six Premier League fixtures this season and started five as injuries to Klopp’s midfield have seen increased opportunities come the teenager’s way. Together with fellow youngster Fabio Carvalho, Elliott has proven himself to be one of Liverpool’s brightest sparks this season, showing a dogged determination and desire to help the Reds rediscover some consistency. A very bright future awaits.

Underperformer: Virgil van Dijk

Another of Klopp’s perceived dependables, Virgil van Dijk has looked a shadow of his former self this season. The usually dominant Dutch defender has looked off the pace this term and has carelessly conceded a number of penalties while continuously finding himself dragged out of position.

The 31-year-old looked to have allayed fears he may not be the same player after returning from a serious ACL injury at the start of last season as he impressed amid Liverpool’s quadruple charge last term. However, those fears have since resurfaced with the Reds’ usually commanding leader lacking in confidence and appearing past his peak.

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