Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Alexander Isak of Liverpool interact during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Anfield on November 22, 2025 in Liverpool, Englandplaceholder image
Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Alexander Isak of Liverpool interact during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Anfield on November 22, 2025 in Liverpool, England | Getty Images
Arne Slot needs to change things with his Liverpool starting XI amid a rotten run of form that has derailed their season
Something needs to change with Arne Slot’s Liverpool starting line-up as the Reds look to save their season after a run of nine defeats in 12 games.
It has been a torrid week for Slot and his players, who have lost 3-0 to Nottingham Forest and 4-1 to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield following the return of the international break.
“We will rise from this. I believe in this team with everything I have. Nothing has ever been handed to us - we’ve fought for everything, and this moment is no different.
“We won’t give in. Won’t give up. Every challenge is an opportunity. We must grow together, lift each other up, and show the strength that lies within us. To the fans, keep supporting us. We all need each other more than ever!”
Slot has persisted with out-of-form players, with those decisions harming the performances and in turn the results. It means change is needed, and Liverpool World has put together an XI that could help save the club’s season.
Goalkeeper and defence
Alisson Becker retains his place in goal providing he has recovered from the illness which ruled him out of PSV. With Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong both out injured, Curtis Jones is the only option for the right-back spot. Dominik Szoboszlai can play there too but he has been Liverpool’s best player this campaign and needs to stay in midfield.
In central defence, it is time for Ibrahima Konate to be dropped. The Frenchman has been poor for most of the campaign. Joe Gomez is fit and available and deserves a chance alongside Virgil van Dijk.
Andy Robertson also needs to come back into the side. The Scotland international may be past his best but he is still a solid option and he offers much more going forward than Milos Kerkez.
Midfield and attack
In midfield, Wataru Endo needs to come back in as defensive midfielder. The Japanese enforcer is much loved by fans at Liverpool for his commitment and he would help provide more protection for the back four.
Ryan Gravenberch has been moving further forward this season and he can retain his place in the side at the expense of Alexis Mac Allister. As mentioned above, Szoboszlai keeps his spot. The front three needs a shake-up too.
Mohamed Salah has been somewhat of a scapegoat this season but it’s unfair for the forward to shoulder so much of the criticism after his goals and assists carried the Reds to the title last term.
However, Federico Chiesa has shown more than enough to deserve a start while Cody Gakpo could do with a run out of the side. If fit, Hugo Ekitike must start above Alexander Isak while Florian Wirtz must come back into the side on the left-hand side after performing so well in that role against Real Madrid.
Potential new Liverpool line-up: Alisson, Jones, Gomez, VVD, Robbo; Endo, Szobo, Grav, Wirtz, Ekitike, Chiesa.
Continue Reading