Liverpool need to try and slowly integrate their new players into their first-team squad now that they have found a team that performs well.
Arne Slot’s men have had several questions raised about them this term, with many wondering if they have what it takes to put up a decent fight for the Premier League and Champions League.
Although October’s results would suggest that they didn’t, thanks to Liverpool’s last two wins against Aston Villa and Real Madrid, it’s clear that they have more than enough quality to do so.
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Indeed, it does mean that Slot will have to use some of his regular starters from last season, but if that’s the best way for Liverpool to win, then that’s what needs to be done.
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, reacts during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Aston Villa at Anfield.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
However, if they do manage to keep up their recent run of form, Stephen Warnock believes that drip-feeding their new arrivals into the starting XI could be the best way for them to transition.
Liverpool must figure out how to integrate their new players into their starting XI
It’s all well and good sticking with the players that you know work well together, but with the amount of money that Liverpool have spent on new arrivals this summer, they can’t just leave their new signings on the bench.
Alexander Isak, Milos Kerkez, and even Jeremie Frimpong will all be expecting a decent amount of game time, and if they don’t get it, they could end up wanting to exit Anfield.
This would obviously be way down the line, but if Slot has clear favourites, those who aren’t in his line of sight may choose to explore pastures new.
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However, to ensure each player gets a decent amount of game time, Warnock has suggested that Liverpool drip-feed their new signings into their team to try and ease the pressure on the shoulders of their starting XI.
“Arne Slot has been trying to get some continuity in his back four and midfield,” he said in quotes relayed by BBC Sport.
“They were trying to get back to what they were doing best last season, and they did that against Real Madrid.
“It’s a huge step forward, and now it’s about drip feeding their newer players in, but first they will have to come to terms with how Liverpool play and why Liverpool were successful last season.
“Over recent weeks, it has been a bit too easy to get at Liverpool’s defence through their midfield, but it’s almost as if they’ve had a meeting and the defenders have told the midfielders that they need to be protected more.
“Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch weren’t great at the start of this season, but they have been really impressive in the past two games. They have to continue that form now.”
Alexander Isak will have a tough time beating Hugo Ekitike to his place in Liverpool’s starting XI
Going into the 2025-26 season, most thought that Liverpool’s signing of Isak would make them close to unstoppable.
The Sweden international was one of the best players in England’s top flight last season, and with players such as Wirtz and Mohamed Salah around him, Liverpool thought they’d built a superteam.
However, since he chose to strike throughout the entirety of the Reds’ pre-season, he had to get up to full fitness, and just when he was ready to challenge Hugo Ekitike for his starting place, he ended up injured again.
Liverpool spent £125 million to bring Isak in during the summer transfer window, and, at the moment, it feels like they don’t even need him.
Alexander Isak in action during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Of course, if he starts firing, then fans will be more than appreciative to have him among their ranks, but right now, Ekitike is stealing the show.
This is why it could be difficult for Isak to replace him in the future.