Arne Slot has had a fantastic start at Liverpool and goes into the international break as the leader. Defensively, The Reds are performing excellently, and the period after the break will be interesting, especially due to the absence of Alisson Becker.
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BBC Sport journalist Gary Rose is paying close attention to Liverpool's performance in the absence of their key goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, a player who has been integral to the club's success in recent years.
Alisson’s consistent presence between the sticks has provided Liverpool with both confidence and security, his ability to pull off crucial saves in tight moments often helping the team maintain its defensive structure. However, his absence due to injury brings a significant challenge for Liverpool and their new manager, Arne Slot, who must navigate this period without his first-choice keeper. Rose believes that how Liverpool copes without Alisson will be one of the first significant tests of Slot's reign.
In the recent match, young Czech goalkeeper Vítězslav Jaroš replaced Alisson, and while Jaroš is highly rated within Liverpool’s academy, he lacks the experience of playing at the highest level week in and week out. The decision to play him was perhaps a signal from Slot that he is willing to trust the club's youth system. Still, Jaroš will undoubtedly face scrutiny in the coming weeks, especially with the demanding fixtures Liverpool have ahead.
Liverpool’s regular second-choice goalkeeper, Caoimhín Kelleher, has already made two appearances this season and has proven himself to be a competent backup. Kelleher has stepped up in several key moments in the past, including cup matches and high-pressure Premier League games. However, stepping in as the first-choice goalkeeper for a prolonged period is an entirely different proposition, and it remains to be seen if Kelleher can maintain the consistency required.
After the international break, Liverpool’s schedule becomes particularly intense. They are set to face a daunting run of fixtures that could define their season. Consecutive matches against Chelsea, RB Leipzig, Arsenal, a double-header against Brighton & Hove Albion, Bayer Leverkusen, and Aston Villa will stretch Liverpool’s squad to its limits. These matches come thick and fast, with little room for error, and they represent a significant test of Slot's managerial capabilities.
In these fixtures, Liverpool will need to show not only their attacking prowess but also defensive solidity. While the team has only conceded two goals so far this season a testament to the structure Slot has implemented the loss of Alisson could disrupt that defensive rhythm. Rose points out that even in the match against Crystal Palace, Alisson made two crucial saves that preserved Liverpool's lead. His absence will require other players, particularly defenders like Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, to step up and offer more protection for whoever is in goal.
Former professional footballer Kris Boyd, speaking on Soccer Saturday, believes that Liverpool is poised to make things difficult for Arsenal and Manchester City in the title race. Boyd has been impressed with Liverpool's start to the season, especially under new management, and he predicts that they will be a serious threat to the Premier League's established top teams. "Liverpool is going to make things very difficult for Arsenal and Manchester City this season," Boyd said, suggesting that Liverpool's performances so far indicate they are more than capable of competing for the title. However, like many pundits, Boyd acknowledges that the real tests are yet to come, and the true measure of Liverpool's strength will be revealed after the international break.
"The upcoming fixtures will tell us more about where Liverpool stands," Boyd said, referring to the tough run of games ahead. If Liverpool can navigate this difficult period without key players like Alisson, they will solidify their status as genuine title contenders. On the other hand, any slip-ups could see them fall behind Arsenal and Manchester City, who have also made strong starts to the season.
One key player who will be expected to take on even more responsibility in Alisson’s absence is Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch defender has been the bedrock of Liverpool’s defense for several seasons, and his presence is vital, especially when the team faces top-tier opponents. In the match against Crystal Palace, Van Dijk was named Man of the Match by Sky Sports for his commanding performance at the back. The Liverpool Echo gave him a rating of 8, highlighting his leadership and defensive discipline.
However, Van Dijk’s performance did not come without controversy. During the game, there was a moment when Van Dijk appeared to pull Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi to the ground in the penalty area. Former referee Keith Hackett weighed in on the incident, believing that Van Dijk should have been penalized for holding Guehi. "It's absolute nonsense that it wasn't considered prolonged holding," Hackett said during an appearance on TNT Sports, arguing that the referee should have awarded a penalty to Crystal Palace. Hackett pointed out that even though Guehi wasn’t near the ball, Van Dijk’s actions warranted a foul. This controversial moment could have changed the course of the game, but the referee’s decision to wave play on spared Liverpool from potentially conceding a late equalizer.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner was equally vocal about the incident after the match. He expressed his frustration at the decision not to award his team a penalty, believing that it was a clear foul. Glasner argued that such moments can significantly impact a match, especially when playing against top teams like Liverpool. “It was a crucial moment that could have changed the result,” Glasner said. He also suggested that referees need to be more consistent in their application of the rules when it comes to holding in the penalty area.
Despite the controversy, Van Dijk’s influence on the game was undeniable. His leadership will be critical in the coming weeks, especially with Alisson unavailable. The defensive unit, including players like Andrew Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Joel Matip, will need to work together to ensure Liverpool doesn’t lose their defensive stability during this crucial period.
The upcoming matches will provide a clearer picture of how well Liverpool can adapt to adversity. With tough opponents on the horizon, the team’s ability to rotate and maintain form will be put to the test. Slot’s managerial skills will be scrutinized, and his tactical flexibility could be the key to overcoming this challenging phase. Additionally, how well players like Kelleher or Jaroš handle the pressure will significantly impact the outcome of these matches.
While the absence of a world-class player like Alisson is undoubtedly a blow, Liverpool has shown resilience in the past. The depth of their squad, combined with the tactical acumen of their new manager, could see them emerge from this challenging period stronger. However, with Arsenal and Manchester City also looking strong, the margin for error is small, and Liverpool cannot afford to drop points in the coming weeks.
As fans and pundits eagerly await the next chapter of Liverpool’s season, all eyes will be on how the Reds cope with the pressures of balancing domestic and European competitions without their star goalkeeper. If they can maintain their early-season form, Slot’s Liverpool could be a formidable force in both the Premier League and Europe this season.
Updated: 10:54, 6 Oct 2024
