Liverpool Starting XI 2025-26 Season: Projecting Arne Slot’s Core Lineup

The Foundation of Slot’s Second Season

As Liverpool FC enters the 2025-26 campaign under head coach Arne Slot, the question of the starting eleven carries more weight than in any recent transition season. Slot, now in his second full season at Anfield, has had a full summer transfer window to imprint his tactical identity on the squad. The Dutch tactician’s first season—a strong title challenge in 2024-25—was built on a blend of inherited Klopp-era core players and potential reinforcements. But the 2025-26 lineup reflects a deeper evolution: the potential integration of high-profile arrivals like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez, alongside the continued influence of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Alisson Becker.

This projection is based on pre-season friendlies, summer transfer speculation, and Slot’s tactical preferences observed during his first campaign. It is not an official club confirmation but an informed editorial interpretation of the likely strongest eleven.

Goalkeeper and Defence: The Backbone Under Slot

Alisson Becker Remains the Undisputed No. 1

Alisson Becker enters the 2025-26 season as Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper, a position he has held since his arrival in 2018. Slot’s system is believed to demand a goalkeeper comfortable with the ball at his feet and capable of initiating attacks from deep—qualities Alisson possesses in abundance. His distribution accuracy and sweeping range align with Slot’s preference for building play from the back. The Brazilian’s shot-stopping remains elite, though his injury record in recent seasons has prompted the club to ensure reliable backup options. The goalkeeping position is one of the most settled in the squad, with no indication of a change in hierarchy.

Centre-Back Partnership: Van Dijk and Konaté

Virgil van Dijk continues as the defensive leader, his experience and aerial dominance undiminished at 34. Slot has maintained the Dutchman’s role as the left-sided centre-back, where his ability to read the game and organise the defensive line is critical. Alongside him, Ibrahima Konaté has cemented his place as the right-sided partner. Konaté’s recovery pace and progressive passing complement Van Dijk’s positional intelligence. The partnership was central to Liverpool’s strong defensive record in 2024-25, and Slot has shown no inclination to break it up. Jarell Quansah provides depth, but the first-choice pairing is expected to start the season.

Full-Backs: Trent Alexander-Arnold and Milos Kerkez

The full-back positions have undergone the most significant transformation. Trent Alexander-Arnold remains at right-back, but his role has evolved under Slot. The Englishman is now deployed as an inverted full-back, stepping into midfield during possession to create numerical superiority. His passing range and vision are central to Liverpool’s attacking transitions. Defensively, his positioning has improved under Slot’s coaching, though it remains an area of scrutiny.

On the left, Milos Kerkez has been linked with a move from Bournemouth to provide natural width and defensive solidity. The Hungarian international offers pace, stamina, and a willingness to overlap, contrasting with Alexander-Arnold’s inverted style. Kerkez’s potential arrival would address a long-standing need for a specialist left-back, allowing Andy Robertson to transition into a rotational role. Slot’s system requires full-backs who can adapt tactically, and Kerkez’s profile fits the brief.

Midfield: The Engine Room

Defensive Midfield: Wataru Endō and Alexis Mac Allister

Slot’s midfield structure in 2025-26 is projected to feature a double pivot with distinct responsibilities. Wataru Endō operates as the defensive screen, breaking up opposition attacks and providing cover for the back four. The Japanese international’s work rate and tactical discipline have made him a key figure in Slot’s system, particularly in high-pressing matches against top-six opposition.

Alongside him, Alexis Mac Allister plays as the advanced deep-lying playmaker. The Argentine’s ability to receive the ball under pressure, turn, and distribute forward is crucial for bypassing the first line of press. Mac Allister’s goal threat from midfield adds another dimension, with his late runs into the box becoming a feature of Liverpool’s attacking patterns. This partnership allows the two more creative midfielders ahead to focus on chance creation.

Attacking Midfield: Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz

Dominik Szoboszlai retains his place as the right-sided central midfielder, operating between the lines. The Hungarian’s energy and pressing intensity are vital for Slot’s counter-pressing system, while his long-range shooting provides a threat from distance. Szoboszlai’s role involves drifting wide to combine with Alexander-Arnold and the right winger, creating overloads.

Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s speculated marquee summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen, occupies the left-sided attacking midfield role. The German international’s dribbling, vision, and finishing ability could make him a creative force, potentially replacing the output previously provided by Philippe Coutinho and, more recently, by a rotated midfield. Wirtz’s ability to play as a number ten or drift wide would give Slot tactical flexibility. His potential arrival signals a shift toward more technical, possession-oriented midfield play.

Forward Line: Pace, Power, and Precision

Right Wing: Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah remains Liverpool’s primary attacking threat on the right wing. At 33, the Egyptian King’s goal contributions remain elite, though his minutes may be managed more carefully to preserve his effectiveness across the season. Salah’s role under Slot has evolved slightly: he now drops deeper to receive the ball, enabling runners like Alexander-Arnold and Szoboszlai to attack the space behind. His finishing from the right channel and set-piece delivery continue to be match-winning assets. The question of his long-term future persists, but for 2025-26, Salah is the undisputed starter.

Left Wing: Luis Díaz

Luis Díaz starts on the left, offering directness, dribbling, and defensive work rate. The Colombian’s ability to beat his marker one-on-one and deliver crosses from the byline complements Kerkez’s overlapping runs. Díaz’s pressing intensity is among the highest in the squad, fitting Slot’s system that demands forwards chase down defenders. His goal return has improved under Slot, with a more defined role in the final third.

Centre-Forward: Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak is projected to lead the line as Liverpool’s first-choice striker. The Swedish international has been linked with a high-profile move from Newcastle United, bringing pace, technical ability, and a proven Premier League goalscoring record. Isak’s movement off the shoulder of defenders could create space for the attacking midfielders and wingers to exploit. His link-up play is considered superior to that of previous Liverpool strikers, potentially allowing Slot to build attacks through the centre rather than exclusively from wide areas. Isak’s potential arrival would reshape Liverpool’s attacking dynamics, making them less predictable and more potent in transition.

Tactical Overview: Slot’s 4-2-3-1 in Possession

In possession, Liverpool’s shape under Slot is projected to transition from a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-2-5. Alexander-Arnold inverts from right-back to form a double pivot with Endō, while Mac Allister pushes higher. The full-backs provide width, with Kerkez staying wide on the left and Alexander-Arnold drifting inside. The front five—Salah, Isak, Díaz, Wirtz, and Szoboszlai—rotate positions fluidly, creating mismatches for opposition defences.

Out of possession, Liverpool is expected to press in a 4-4-2 shape, with Isak and Díaz leading the press. Endō screens the back four, while Alexander-Arnold tucks into a defensive right-back position. The system relies on collective work rate and positional discipline, which Slot has instilled over his first season.

Projected Starting XI for 2025-26

Rotation and Depth Considerations

Slot’s squad depth is stronger than in previous seasons. Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo provide attacking options, while Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott offer midfield rotation. Andy Robertson remains a reliable backup at left-back, and Jarell Quansah can cover centre-back. The depth allows Slot to rotate for Champions League and domestic cup fixtures without a significant drop-off in quality.

Risks and Uncertainties

Several factors could alter this projected lineup. Injuries to key players like Alisson or Van Dijk would force tactical adjustments. The integration of potential new signings like Wirtz and Isak into Slot’s system may take time, with early-season performances determining whether they start immediately. The form of Mohamed Salah, now in his 30s, is a variable that could see his minutes reduced. Additionally, the January transfer window could bring further changes, though the current squad appears well-balanced.

Conclusion: A Lineup Built for Sustained Success

Liverpool’s projected starting XI for the 2025-26 season represents a deliberate evolution from the Klopp era. Slot has retained the core defensive spine while potentially injecting technical quality in midfield and attack. The speculated arrivals of Wirtz, Isak, Kerkez, and Frimpong could address specific tactical needs, creating a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. The Premier League title challenge and Champions League campaign will test this lineup’s cohesion, but the foundations are in place for sustained success.

For further analysis, explore our profiles of player statistics, disciplinary records, and minutes played across the squad.