The latest Liverpool news as we take a look at what some of the pundits have had to say about the current season as the Reds look to defend their title.
Arne Slot prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield.
Arne Slot prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield.
(Image: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
With the first international break of the new Premier League season here, there is a bit of time to reflect on the first few games of the season for Liverpool. The Reds went into the campaign looking to defend their title and have been active in the transfer market to help them do that.
The likes of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong will be joined by deadline day signing Alexander Isak after the international break. The former Newcastle United man completed a £125 million move to Anfield before joining up with the Sweden squad.
Even without the striker in their ranks, Liverpool have started the season in perfect fashion in terms of results. Late winners against AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle were followed by a 1-0 win over title rivals Arsenal last weekend.
It means that Arne Slot's side have picked up all nine points available from the first three games. It leaves them sitting at the top of the table and as the only team still to have a 100% record.
As ever, the 2025/26 season is expected to throw up some twists and turns along the way. But what could the campaign look like by the time May 2026 comes around? Here’s a look at some of the predictions made by pundits over the last few weeks.
Title defence
Speaking to the Daily Mail before the season, former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch backed his former club to retain the title this time around. “I think they've signed well. I think they won it at a canter last year,” he said.
“I think the other teams have closed the gap well, but I think Liverpool will have just enough. Especially if they sign one more centre forward. Adding Isak to the list would seal the deal.”
Speaking to BBC Sport before the season, 21 of the 33 pundits named Liverpool as their title winners. One of those was former Premier League striker Troy Deeney who explained: “Liverpool have got already better in every area.
“I know they have lost Trent Alexander-Arnold but Jeremie Frimpong is just as good at right-back - not with his passing range, but they don't need that with the other players they have got. Up front, they won the league last year without having an out-and-out number nine. They have still got Mohamed Salah and now have Hugo Ekitike, and potentially Isak too.”
Wayne Rooney was in agreement: “I already have Liverpool as favourites to win the Premier League but if Isak comes in then they are going to be unstoppable,” he said, “A big thing was them replacing Alexander-Arnold, because a lot of their chances and goals came from that right side, but I think Frimpong has got the attributes to go and fill that.
Outstanding players
As part of his predictions, Crouch also named two Liverpool players who could be outstanding in the Premier League this season. He named Mo Salah as his golden boot winner, with Florian Wirtz as his player of the season.
On the golden boot, he said: “I think it’s between two, Erling Haaland and Mo Salah but I’m going to go for Salah. I think it’ll be someone from the winning team and I think Liverpool are going to win the league.”
And on the player of the season: “I also think the Player of the Season will come from the winning team so I’m going to go with Florian Wirtz. I think he’ll be class this season and I’m looking forward to seeing him.”
Florian Wirtz impact
Talking of Wirtz, he has also been picked out by former Liverpool man Robbie Fowler as the player to watch this season. Speaking to TalkSPORT before the start of the season he said: “I think he's a player Liverpool have lacked.
“He is a player who can unlock defences. I know it's tongue in cheek saying you put your neck on the line because they've spent £100m, but he's been prolific.
“His assist record at Leverkusen has been outstanding, he's been one of the top players for Germany. There's no guarantee he's going to set the Premier League alight, but he's a player I want to see. He's an exciting player, and I can't wait to see him.”