Introduction: Why Depth Matters More Than Star Power
The 2024/25 campaign under Arne Slot demonstrated that Liverpool's success wasn't built on a single superstar but on a squad capable of rotating through a grueling 60-match schedule. As the 2025/26 season approaches, the key question is whether the supporting cast can sustain that level across four competitions. This checklist examines each position group, identifying where the Reds are well-stocked, where they're thin, and what the data suggests about potential weak points.
Goalkeepers: The Alisson Question
The checklist item: Do you have a reliable deputy who can start 10-15 matches without a drop-off?
Alisson Becker remains among the elite shot-stoppers in world football, but his injury history makes backup quality critical. Caoimhín Kelleher's development has been a positive, though his potential departure this summer would leave a gap.
| Goalkeeper | Age | 2024/25 Appearances | Save Percentage | Distribution Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alisson | 32 | 38 | 78.3% | 89.2% |
| Kelleher | 26 | 15 | 74.1% | 84.7% |
| Jaros | 23 | 3 | 68.5% | 81.3% |
Verdict: Adequate if Kelleher stays. If he leaves, a proven No. 2 becomes a priority signing. Check our goalkeeper performance metrics for deeper analysis.
Full-Backs: The Trent Transition and Left-Back Options
The checklist item: Can your full-backs provide width in possession and recover defensively in transition?
Trent Alexander-Arnold's role has evolved under Slot, moving from a pure creator to a more balanced contributor. His progressive passes remain elite (8.4 per 90), but defensive metrics show improvement in 1v1 situations. The left side remains a talking point, with potential upgrades on Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas discussed.
Current depth:
- Right-back: Trent, Conor Bradley (emerging), Joe Gomez (emergency)
- Left-back: Robertson, Tsimikas
Center-Backs: Van Dijk's Longevity and Konaté's Fitness
The checklist item: Do you have at least three starting-caliber center-backs who can play 30+ matches?
Virgil van Dijk continues to defy age, but at 34, his recovery speed has noticeably dipped. Ibrahima Konaté's fitness remains a factor—he's missed significant time over the past two seasons due to muscle injuries. Jarell Quansah's emergence provides a reliable third option, but the drop-off after that is steep.
| Defender | 2024/25 Starts | Aerial Duels Won % | Interceptions per 90 | Clearances per 90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Van Dijk | 48 | 76.2% | 1.8 | 4.5 |
| Konaté | 34 | 72.1% | 2.1 | 5.2 |
| Quansah | 22 | 68.7% | 1.5 | 4.8 |
| Gomez | 18 | 65.3% | 1.2 | 3.9 |
Verdict: Two elite starters, one promising youngster, and a utility option. A fourth center-back—preferably left-footed—would provide insurance, especially if Gomez is needed at full-back.
Midfield: Creative Options and Defensive Balance
The checklist item: Does your midfield have the right blend of creativity, ball retention, and defensive cover?
Liverpool's midfield transformation under Slot has been remarkable. Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai provide technical quality, while Ryan Gravenberch has added physical presence. The club has been linked with additional creative options to add a different dimension.
Current midfield options:
- Defensive: Wataru Endō, Gravenberch (adapting)
- Box-to-box: Mac Allister, Curtis Jones
- Creative: Szoboszlai, Harvey Elliott
Forwards: Salah's Output and Striker Concerns
The checklist item: Can your attack generate goals from multiple sources, not just one player?
Mohamed Salah's 2024/25 numbers (28 goals, 15 assists) highlight a strong individual output. Darwin Núñez's inconsistency (conversion rate of 12.4%) and Diogo Jota's injury issues leave the attack vulnerable. Speculation about a potential striker signing suggests the club may be planning for the future, but the current depth chart shows a gap in reliable finishing.
| Forward | 2024/25 Goals | xG | Shot Conversion % | Key Passes per 90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salah | 28 | 22.4 | 18.2% | 2.8 |
| Núñez | 14 | 17.8 | 12.4% | 1.5 |
| Jota | 11 | 9.6 | 16.8% | 1.9 |
| Gakpo | 8 | 7.2 | 14.5% | 1.7 |
Verdict: World-class right wing, adequate left wing options (Luis Díaz, Gakpo), but the No. 9 position remains a concern. Núñez's inconsistency is the team's biggest attacking risk.
Youngsters and Academy Graduates
The checklist item: Are there academy players who can contribute 5-10 matches without harming results?
Liverpool's academy has produced Ben Doak (now at Middlesbrough) and Bobby Clark, but the current crop lacks a standout prospect for immediate first-team impact. Trey Nyoni (17) and Lewis Koumas (19) are promising but need loan spells. The squad depth relies on proven professionals rather than raw talent.
Verdict: Don't expect academy players to fill significant gaps this season. The club will need to rely on the senior squad and potential signings.
Conclusion: The 2025/26 Depth Checklist Summary
Final assessment:
| Position | Depth Rating | Priority Action |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | B+ | Retain Kelleher or sign backup |
| Full-backs | B | Consider left-back upgrade |
| Center-backs | B+ | Add fourth option |
| Midfield | A- | Consider defensive midfielder |
| Forwards | B | Assess striker options |
Liverpool's squad is deep enough to challenge for trophies, but two positions—center-forward and left-back—require attention. Whether those moves materialize will determine if the 2024/25 success was the start of a strong run or a one-season peak.
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