Virgil van Dijk knows that Liverpool could yet make this a special season, even with Arne Slot's first Premier League title defence in tatters.
But Liverpool will need luck on their side in terms of fitness levels, with a number of absentees weakening Slot's struggling squad.
Liverpool might have secured their new defensive phenom in Jeremy Jacquet, but issues remain across the park, with FSG preparing to strengthen the engine room following a staggering collective drop-off from last year's level.
Though sporting director Richard Hughes will expect to have a budget to spend on high-level recruits, but after recent troubles, he will need to be on the money.
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However, there is a sense of inevitability mounting at Liverpool, and it concerns the future of academy graduate Curtis Jones.
Why Curtis Jones could leave Liverpool
Jones, 24, is Liverpool's senior Scouser, taking that badge after Trent Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid last summer.
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones
Many would suggest that the England international's long-term future lies with Anfield, but Slot has only handed him 29 starts since taking the reins in 2024, and with his contract running until 2027, suitors are beginning to circle
With Alexis Mac Allister flattering to deceive this year, Jones may well stake a claim to be in Slot's strongest starting 11, but he's approaching a critical juncture in his career and doesn't seem to have turned his nose up at January interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan.
If Liverpool do sell Jones, they will need to find a technically-gifted replacement, press-resistant and a talented retainer of possession.
That's not going to be easy, but the Reds could actually save millions by entrusting an academy graduate with a starring role over the coming years.
The Liverpool teenager who could replace Jones
Liverpool will need to spend on a midfielder at some point soon, regardless of whether Jones stays or goes.
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However, with Trey Nyoni rising through the ranks, the urgency is lessened somewhat, with the 18-year-old boasting superstar potential.
Described as a "special talent" by journalist Bence Bocsak, Nyoni joined Liverpool from Leicester City's youth system in 2024, and having quickly stood out among his fellow development peers, he has been given a role in Slot's senior squad, 12 appearances under his belt and with 15 matchday squad appearances in the Premier League.
Liverpool midfielder Trey Nyoni
He is not a carbon copy of Jones, but he is one of the most exciting young centre-midfielders in the business, even compared in the past with former Manchester United star Paul Pogba for his rangy, powerful frame and incredible technical quality.
Pogba, one of football's more notorious superstars of modern times, is not a popular face in Liverpool, but even the most ardent of Anfield's United detractors would concede that the Frenchman is at least very naturally gifted.
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Analyst Ben Mattinson has actually remarked that Nyoni bears "so much resemblance" to Pogba, effortlessly good on the ball and with a natural presence that bodes well for his future as a high-profile Liverpool star.
Though Jones doesn't start every week, he has played a consistent role at Liverpool over the years, and Nyoni could fill that gap, especially if a new star man is welcomed during the summer transfer market, thus giving Slot enough options to challenge across every front.
Curtis Jones' Minutes in the Premier League
Season
25/26
24/25
23/24
22/23
21/22
20/21
19/20
Data via Transfermarkt
Nyoni played less than half an hour of football during Liverpool's recent Champions League rout over Qarabag, but in that time, he completed 90% of his passes, winning three tackles and making three duels.
Nyoni's potential has been clear from the off. He was tipped for big things after impressing during Liverpool's pre-season in 2024, arresting Slot's interest from the start.
Whether the teenager is set to become Liverpool's own version of Pogba remains to be seen, but it's certainly a fine endorsement of his quality and the style he could bring to Merseyside over the next few years, taking the next step and becoming a mainstay in Slot's midfield.
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Liverpool are beginning to show some promising signs in attack.