Football can change remarkably quickly.
Three months ago, Liverpool supporters were questioning almost everything.
The squad.
The tactics.
The confidence levels.
The direction of the club.
Fast forward to today, and the mood feels completely different.
Without Liverpool kicking a competitive ball, the squad suddenly looks far stronger than it did at the end of last season.
Why?
Because recent events have reminded everyone just how much quality Liverpool already possess.
The World Cup Has Changed Perceptions
The biggest influence has undoubtedly been the World Cup.
Liverpool players have been among the standout performers for their respective countries.
Florian Wirtz has looked every inch the world-class attacking midfielder Liverpool believed they were signing.
Cody Gakpo has rediscovered his confidence, producing goals, assists and performances full of energy and purpose for the Netherlands.
Alexis Mac Allister has once again demonstrated why he remains one of the finest midfield controllers in world football with Argentina.
Virgil van Dijk continues to marshal the Dutch defence with authority.
Ryan Gravenberch has impressed in midfield.
Alexander Isak has looked sharp and clinical for Sweden.
Watching these players excel has forced many supporters to reconsider the squad they already have.
Iraola Brings Fresh Hope
The arrival of Andoni Iraola has only strengthened that optimism.
The Spaniard inherits a squad packed with talent.
More importantly, he inherits players whose strengths appear perfectly suited to his style of football.
Iraola wants intensity.
Aggressive pressing.
Quick transitions.
Freedom in attack.
Those are precisely the conditions in which players like Wirtz, Gakpo and Isak are capable of thriving.
Perhaps Liverpool’s biggest improvement this season will not come from the transfer market.
It could come from getting more out of the players already at the club.
New Signings Add Excitement
That is not to say Liverpool have stood still.
The arrival of Víctor Muñoz has added another exciting attacking option, while reports continue to link the Reds with highly-rated youngster Yan Diomande.
If Liverpool can complete that deal, the club’s attacking options would become even more frightening.
The recruitment strategy also appears clear.
Young.
Athletic.
Versatile.
Technically gifted.
Every major target seems to fit the same profile.
That consistency suggests Liverpool know exactly what they are trying to build.
Young Talent Continues to Emerge
Another reason for optimism is the academy.
Rio Ngumoha has continued his remarkable rise with England.
Trey Nyoni remains one of the brightest young midfielders in Europe.
Josh Abe has committed his future to the club.
Stefan Bajčetić is finally back fit.
Conor Bradley continues to develop.
Liverpool are not simply relying on transfers.
The next generation is already knocking on the first-team door.
Suddenly, the Squad Looks Deep
Look through Liverpool’s options now.
Attack:
● Alexander Isak
● Cody Gakpo
● Florian Wirtz
● Víctor Muñoz
● Rio Ngumoha
● Federico Chiesa
Midfield:
● Alexis Mac Allister
● Ryan Gravenberch
● Dominik Szoboszlai
● Curtis Jones
● Stefan Bajčetić
● Wataru Endo
Defence:
● Virgil van Dijk
● Conor Bradley
● Jeremie Frimpong
● New centre-back expected
It suddenly feels like a squad capable of competing again.
Perspective Has Changed
Perhaps the biggest difference compared to three months ago is belief.
At the end of last season, supporters saw a team that looked short of confidence and identity.
Now, they are watching many of those same players perform brilliantly on the biggest international stage.
The quality never disappeared.
It simply needed unlocking.
The Future Looks Bright
Liverpool still have work to do before the transfer window closes.
Another defender may arrive.
Another attacker may follow.
But the foundation already looks much stronger than it did only a few months ago.
The World Cup has reminded supporters how talented this squad really is.
And with Andoni Iraola preparing to mould that talent into his own team, Liverpool’s future suddenly looks far brighter than many imagined at the end of last season.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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