That summarizes a lot about this season" - coach Arne Slot admitted. That is the feeling he is mentioning more and more, especially in the context of continuous injuries. However, in last weekend's match, Alexander Isak finally scored his first Premier League goal at Anfield for The Kop. Even names like Nordi Mukiele or Axel Disasi once "scored" for Liverpool against Isak, even in an undesirable way.
Saying that he had a difficult year is still exaggeration. The injuries and the timing of them are really bad" - Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk shared.
That assessment is not wrong, but neither Liverpool nor Isak is completely innocent. The Swedish striker once went on strike at Newcastle, while Liverpool spent up to £125 million for a player who is prone to injury and does not have a complete pre-season period. When physical fitness and poor form persist, it cannot just be bad luck.
Isak has somewhat become a symbol of a disappointing season in transfer work. Liverpool is considered a shopping master, but after spending up to 450 million pounds last summer, they dropped from number one to fifth. However, Chelsea's decline still helps them maintain hope of participating in the Champions League next season.
As Slot admitted, last weekend's match was Liverpool's scenario expected to happen earlier when Isak and Florian Wirtz both scored. "That's always the plan. These two players are brought in to make a difference" - Van Dijk added. However, one goal each is not enough to dispel doubts about the team building strategy.
Isak's first season was disappointing, and Wirtz also did not meet expectations. Tactical problems are still present. Slot has not yet found the optimal way to use attacking options, especially when Hugo Ekitike is injured for a long time.
The Wirtz problem also does not have a clear solution. When he plays under number 10, Liverpool becomes more fragile - evidenced by the xG index of 2.20 that Crystal Palace creates right at Anfield. Meanwhile, Dominik Szoboszlai - Liverpool's best player of the season - is more suitable for this role. The general feeling is that the "Reds" need 3 midfielders to ensure balance.
The reason is not only Slot's. The greater responsibility lies with the board of directors, when Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards spent heavily but still revealed many gaps in the squad.
Liverpool is said to have paid too high a price for Isak and Wirtz. If Wirtz still has a chance to prove his value, then the choice of Isak is being questioned. Meanwhile, Manchester City has successfully recruited Rayan Cherki for a much lower fee.
In defense, the need for addition is clear when Trent Alexander-Arnold leaves and Andy Robertson enters the final stage of his career. Although Milos Kerkez has made progress, he is still not stable enough. Jeremie Frimpong has also not received trust, when he is constantly pushed up to play higher instead of right-back.
Liverpool also encountered bad luck when Giovanni Leoni was injured right in his debut match. However, Freddie Woodman performed well in the role of substitute. However, among the new players, only Ekitike is considered to be clearly effective.
Another mistake lies in missing out on Marc Guehi. With a price of 35 million pounds, he could be the ideal solution for the defense. Instead, Guehi joined Man City and quickly affirmed his value.
In attack, Liverpool may have underestimated Luis Diaz's role. Signing two strikers instead of a quality winger has become a mistake, especially when Mohamed Salah is in decline and Cody Gakpo is ineffective.
Salah's upcoming departure further makes the need for reconstruction urgent. And that means Liverpool may have to continue to spend heavily, right after investing 450 million pounds but not bringing the expected efficiency.
