Thread by @borbely_imre

Arne Slot won the 2024/25 #PL for #LFC but there were many changes in the Reds' squad during the summer. The question is: can they compete again for the title with the new signings? 🤔

🧵 An in-depth Thread

⏩ Visuals by @xfbsays ⏪

As TAA left the club, LFC needed to sign somebody, who can create high-quality chances, deliver key passes & assists, provide verticality, score goals, unlock opponent's defence & decide games with magical moments. Wirtz is a perfect answer who will flourish under Slot! 🔥

Against Crystal Palace in the FA Community Shield, Wirtz showed why LFC paid £116m for him. He won the MOTM award with the most chances created (4), 0.21 xA, 50/57 accurate passes (88%), 11 passes into final 3rd & 7 recoveries. He can be the difference! 👏

As Robertson's and Tsimikas' performance dropped in the past several months (years?), it was evident that LFC had to sign a LB who can hold the width, deliver crosses, cover huge areas and play with amazing intensity. 21 yo @kerkez_official is that type of player! 🧐

I've made a video about Milos Kerkez' best goals & assists in AZ Alkmaar, Bournemouth & Hungary. His technique, his vision, his speed, his energy (many under/overlapping runs) & his execution are all perfect, he will be a huge upgrade on the left wing. 👌

He stayed much deeper than Frimpong on the right side of the pitch vs CRY but I think when Slot finds the right balance, Kerkez will get the licence to move forward and deliver dangerous crosses from more advanced positions. 👁️

Jeremie Frimpong is a totally different profile than TAA but his skillset makes him a valuable option in the starting XI. In the 2024/25 @Bundesliga_DE, he ranked amongst the best wide defenders in big chances, crosses, dribbles, key passes, npxG, npxG/shot SoT rate & shots. 📊

This goal was a perfect example how he can create threat in the final 3rd. His 1st touch was sensational than he beat his man in a 1v1 situation to score with a sublime finish. His speed and dribbling is out of this world! 💪

23 yo Hugo Ekitiké had a memorable season with @Eintracht so it was a smart and sensible decision for Liverpool to sign him. He's a typical mobile forward with phenomenal on-the-ball skill. Ekitiké's link-up play and top possession-related abilities promise a lot. 😎

LFC often tried to overload the left side of the pitch and Ekitiké's smart movements & positioning was key as he pulled out Richards (RCB). The Gakpo-Ekitiké-Wirtz-Kerkez quartet positioned themselves close to each other while Salah & Frimpong were isolated on the right. 👇

Szoboszlai had a great game as a No. 6 (deep-lying playmaker) and showed again how versatile player he is. He was useful in the build-up and in-possession but his partnership with Jones (double pivot) wasn't quite effective out-of-possession. Let's see below why. 🔎

As @Johan722539 tweeted, Szoboszlai's lack of anticipation and counter-pressing proved to be crucial this time. I think the Macca-Gravenberch double pivot worked very well last and it's quite clear that LFC can't conced counter-attack goals like this. 🧐

As Quansah left the club and the Gomez-Konaté duo are injury-prone, LFC needed to strengthen their CB options. 18 yo Giovanni Leoni's underlying defensive numbers (2024/25 @SerieA season) indicates what a huge & special talent he is. Top business from Hughes and his staff! 🔥

If anyone has any doubts why Liverpool is going to pay £26million for the young Italian CB, this compilation answers everything. Pace, power, positioning, stamina, blocking, tackles, aerial duels - he's already outstanding in all of these aspects! 👊

I think LFC need to sign at least an other CB & a No. 9 (Isak), but overall, the squad rebuild are very promising. It can be a transitional season and won't be easy to integrate as many new players but I'm sure Slot & his staff know how to fine-tune last season's #PL champion! 💪