Mohamed Salah has provided a diplomatic response when asked about the strength of Liverpool’s squad this season, as new players adjust to life at Anfield.
It has been a busy summer for the Reds, with big money spent on the likes of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike and several high-profile names leaving the club.
They have also been forced to contend with the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, who was as important on the pitch as he clearly was off it.
Speaking after winning the PFA Player of the Year award for a record third time on Tuesday, Salah insisted it is too early to tell if Liverpool are stronger now or not.
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“No!” Salah laughed, when asked if the current team is better than last season’s title-winners.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah celebrate after scoring the first goal during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Well, it’s tricky – I can’t say yes or no.
“It’s just tricky because we’ve signed some very talented players, but we’ve also let some great players leave, and also what happened with one of our teammates.
“You need to give your experience to the new players because they have never played for Liverpool, and playing for Liverpool is not that easy at all.
“The media they have behind the club and the size of the club – it’s a huge pressure for the younger players.
“Me and Virgil and the ‘old’ guys in the team try to give them experience and help them on and off the field.”
Are Liverpool stronger than in 2024/25?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool squad photo before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Salah may be sitting on the fence, but he has every right to, considering the season is only one game old and huge changes have been made to Liverpool’s squad.
On the face of it, the Reds are better than they were in their title-winning campaign, not least because of bringing in a Wirtz, who could be world class in the No. 10 role.
Ekitike acts as an upgrade on the departed Darwin Nunez, while Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have added pace and energy in full-back areas.
That said, there is still a feeling that Liverpool are a centre-back and centre-forward away from having the perfect summer.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 10, 2025: Crystal Palace's captain Marc Guéhi lifts the trophy after the FA Community Shield match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. Palace won 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Propaganda)
There is a lack of depth at the heart of the defence, even though Giovanni Leoni has arrived as one of Europe’s most exciting teenage defenders, acting as a replacement for Jarell Quansah.
This is why Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi continues to be linked with Liverpool, with an injury to Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konate likely to be damaging.
Meanwhile, in attack, Nunez and Luis Diaz have left, and Jota tragically passed away last month, leaving Ekitike as the only genuine centre-forward option.
Alexander Isak remains the dream target, but if they miss out on the Newcastle striker and don’t sign anyone, it will be a risk.
Only time will tell if Liverpool are better this season than last, and while there is plenty of reason to feel positive, a couple more signings this month are vital.
Arsenal continue to strengthen, with Eberechi Eze set to join from Palace, while Man City look refreshed after a below-par 2024/25.
Retaining the title will be tough for Liverpool, but they are still rightly considered favourites.