Six players Jürgen Klopp must build ‘new Liverpool era’ upon as Mohamed Salah among survivors

Liverpool have reached the end of an era over the past seven months and over the summer Jurgen Klopp will have to decide who to build his next Reds side with.

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“The end of an era”, this is how Liverpool’s night was summed up on Tuesday evening. The Reds faced Real Madrid in a Hollywood clash at Anfield, but ultimately suffered a humiliating 5-2 defeat, with the Champions League holders in revolt.

“It’s the end of an era and it’s been like this for a while, some players just aren’t up to it anymore,” Thierry Henry said while covering the game for CBS Sports, and his colleague, Jamie Carragher, agreed. . The former Anfield centre-back has labeled Jürgen Klopp’s men ‘not good’ in their analysis, describing Liverpool as a ‘mess’ on the defensive side of the game.

The Reds boss is due to initiate an overhaul in the summer, with a slew of players set to leave once contracts expire. It remains to be seen who will sign Klopp to jumpstart his renovation work, but what pillars within his current squad are definitely worth keeping and building around? Between future stars and consolidated options with a few kilometers to go, the coach already has six players on the squad to build on.

Allison Becker

Klopp has a snap between the sticks to start with. Alisson Becker has been Liverpool’s best player this season and was arguably the only player at the club to perform at the level expected.

His distribution is excellent, his shooting is almost unmatched, his ability to perform as a free goalkeeper is natural and he is really gifted when faced with one-on-one situations to handle. Now 30, the Brazilian is still relatively young for a goalkeeper and shows no signs of slowing down. goalkeeper and he shows no signs of regressing.

Trent Alexandre-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been far from his usual self this season. His defensive shortcomings were highlighted by sections of the media ahead of the World Cup and his attacking play also suffered a decline. In fact, he has registered just two Premier League assists in 22 appearances this season.

Despite this, it should be remembered that Alexander-Arnold is still only 24 years old. He is one of the few Reds players still in his prime and his performances over the past five years suggest he truly belongs in the elite once cleared into a working system. Liverpool still have one of the best right-backs in the world and arguably the best when it comes to what they offer in possession.

Ibrahima Konate

Ibrahima Konaté appeared in the Champions League final for Liverpool less than a year ago but has made just four Premier League starts this season and suffered a series of unfortunate injury setbacks. He was a prominent figure for France at the World Cup but struggled with his fitness on Merseyside.

At only 23 years old, Konaté is an obvious pillar of strength on which Klopp can rely. If he’s not already one of the best defenders in the world, he will be in the near future. Like Alexander-Arnold, the Frenchman can still do his best at Anfield and perhaps establish himself as a regular next season.

Virgil van Dijk

There is a very small question mark over Virgil van Dijk’s inclusion, but he has enough credit in the bank to speak out on the doubt over the past seven months. The Dutchman is now 31 – which is why he may be past his prime – but despite that he’s probably still the best in the world in his day.

As complete as it gets, Van Dijk combines pace with strength, composure, technique and size to become the ultimate centre-back. He’s still the best in the world in the eyes of many fans, but he hasn’t been himself this season. His struggles could portend his downfall, but there’s still enough reason to believe the Dutch skipper still has some trophies.

Pace with strength, composure, technique and size to act as the ultimate centre-back. He’s still the best in the world in the eyes of many fans, but he hasn’t been himself this season. His struggles could portend his downfall, but there’s still enough reason to believe the Dutch skipper still has some trophies. Darwin Nunez

Merseyside’s next big thing, Darwin Núñez, is expected to hit its peak in the next few years. Liverpool’s record signing joined the club last summer and has since proven to be a truly chaotic presence, scoring goals, feuding with opponents and generally being surrounded by anarchy.

The only 23-year-old Uruguayan striker has all it takes to reach the top. He is fast, tall, intense, direct, unpredictable and determined, but he is also a very rough diamond. If Klopp can muster his best attributes, he will lead Liverpool’s next great team and could even become a cult hero.

Mohammed Salah

Mohamed Salah is another player who won’t be happy with his form this season, although it is worth noting that he has still scored 19 goals in all competitions, while also dishing up nine assists. The Egyptian international is a natural when it comes to scoring in the final third and that innate quality doesn’t disappear overnight

Salah, now 30, resembles Van Dijk in that while he may be past his prime, his elite level is still high enough to rack up another set of trophies before he retires. The insidious striker is always available and poses an unavoidable threat, whilst operating as Liverpool’s only left-footed forward, with the exception of Harvey Elliott, who has often been used as a midfielder.

With a new contract recently agreed, Klopp is hoping Salah will follow in the footsteps of 35-year-old Karim Benzema, who scored against the Reds on Tuesday night. It’s not guaranteed, but the Liverpool No11 still has enough in the tank to mature like a fine wine.