Liverpool have won all four of their Premier League games so far this season, but Mohamed Salah and Alisson have both admitted the Reds are missing Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Liverpool's 2024/25 campaign has begun with a recognisable mix of determination and flair under Arne Slot - although it's not all plain sailing at Anfield. The Reds occupy top spot in the Premier League following four consecutive victories, yet their early-season displays have been more about tenacity than supremacy.
Despite their flawless start, Liverpool's showings have frequently appeared laboured and they've been rescued by late strikes in all four matches. Defensive vulnerabilities persist, and they're still to deliver a commanding performance.
The summer transfer period delivered drama, with over £450million invested in new signings, reports the Mirror.
However, whilst the fresh arrivals have brought optimism, the team has occasionally appeared fragmented, still seeking harmony as fixtures start to accumulate.
With numerous growing pains to address, here's the latest updates from the red side of Merseyside, courtesy of Mirror Football.
Salah transfer admission repeated
Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker has openly acknowledged the Reds are experiencing the absence left by departed stars Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, mirroring views previously expressed by Mohamed Salah regarding the difficulties of incorporating fresh talent.
Speaking following the slender triumph over Burnley on Sunday, Alisson emphasised the vitality and impact the duo provided, commenting: "All the players who left were important. Lucho [Diaz], Darwin, they all made a difference for us with goals or their playing, fighting, defending. They had good energy, and we miss them."
Salah, who netted a crucial 95th-minute spot-kick to secure a slender 1-0 triumph against the Clarets, emphasised afterwards that patience was required for new signings to blend with the current group. The Egyptian star highlighted the adjustment challenges, especially when it comes to building relationships on the pitch: "The players are adapting to our system," he said.
"We had a few new players in the starting line-up. It takes time to adapt their game to our game."
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He particularly referenced Alexander Isak's recent arrival, stating: "Alex [Isak] also came last week and he's going to be in the team. We try to find the balance."
This acknowledgement reflects wider worries about attacking chemistry, with Salah previously confessing to difficulties linking up with new arrivals such as Hugo Ekitike: "So far, I didn't figure the connections out yet... I know where to find them. I knew their game very well, but with Hugo, he's still new," he confessed last month.
Whilst Ekitike has shown promise in his early appearances, the continued pleas for patience from Liverpool's key players suggest that complete understanding may require weeks, possibly months, during a punishing schedule.
Isak debut hint
Alexander Isak's £125m switch from Newcastle has sparked considerable excitement across Merseyside, though supporters must remain patient after the forward was omitted from Liverpool's journey to Burnley. Attempting to engineer his move to Anfield, Isak avoided Newcastle's pre-season preparations along with their initial league matches, leaving him short of competitive sharpness.
Nevertheless, he's expected to make his bow against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday following his return to complete training on Tuesday. Furthermore, boss Arne Slot has confirmed Isak is moving closer to match fitness, hinting that a 45-minute appearance could be on the cards at some stage this week.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Alexander Isak of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on September 10, 2025 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Alexander Isak has been training with his new Liverpool teammates
"Alex is far from ready for a schedule for three games in a week for 90 minutes," Slot emphasised following the victory over Burnley. "We could have used him today for five or 10 minutes and again on Wednesday, but we don't believe that's the way to build him up.
"Now we will be able either Wednesday or Saturday to play 45 as a minimum or maybe a bit more. But if he plays 45 on Wednesday don't expect him to play 45 or more on Saturday because his body is not prepared for that in our opinion."
Supporters are relishing the thought of Isak's goalscoring threat bolstering an already dangerous frontline, particularly following his 27-goal return for Newcastle last season. Whilst Slot is, understandably, taking a measured approach, it won't be long before the forward is completely ready for action.
Chiesa reacts to disappointment
Federico Chiesa is already experiencing a turbulent campaign at Liverpool. He netted a crucial late winner against Bournemouth on the opening day, but the positive momentum was short-lived as he was subsequently omitted from the club's Champions League squad.
Despite being scarcely utilised last season, the Italian winger responded with quiet resolve rather than dissent. Slot described his decision to exclude Chiesa from the squad as "difficult" and conceded that the 27 year old "wasn't happy" about it.
However, Slot has commended Chiesa's professionalism in the aftermath, highlighting his intense dedication in training despite the setback: "His response has been to prove himself on the pitch... He's been working really hard."
Chiesa's attitude was particularly noticeable during Liverpool's Inside Training video last week. As he participated in a series of exercises and drills, fans were quick to commend Chiesa's temperament in the comments.
One user penned: "I just love Chiesa's attitude and his work rate, of course," while another remarked: "Chiesa, I've got a soft spot for that guy. I love his attitude."
A third expressed hope that Chiesa would be rewarded for his conduct, stating: "I hope that Chiesa gets more game time than he did last season. His attitude and passion and love for being a Liverpool player is outstanding. He is a perfect example of what every club needs."