Liverpool need their big players to step up in the early stages of next season in order to help usher in the new era.
Incoming manager Arne Slot has it all ahead of him, but his job in the Anfield dugout will be made much easier if his key players don’t let him down.
The Dutchman has already been welcomed by Trent Alexander-Arnold, who trusts that the right decision has been made in replacing Jurgen Klopp.
His fellow full-back Andy Robertson meanwhile has yet to speak with the new boss, with the left-back currently on international duty with Scotland.
Plenty of other Reds will join Robertson at Euro 2024 this summer, including the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexander-Arnold.
William Saliba shares Virgil van Dijk verdict at Liverpool
Also expected to be in action for his country at the major tournament is Virgil van Dijk, who will be joined by Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch.
The Netherlands trio will be keen to secure success for their country in Germany, with their leader Van Dijk certain to be crucial in their attempts.
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The centre-back has just gained huge praise from Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who named the Reds star as the hardest defender he’d ever faced.
Their fellow Premier League ace William Saliba has now offered a similar verdict, with the Arsenal defender telling L’Equipe: “I think I am in the top three [defenders in the Premier League]. We finished with the best defence.
“Virgil van Dijk has an aura. He’s the boss, he commands everything. You can feel that he scares attackers, but I’m starting to feel the same way.”
Arsenal post better defensive record than Man City and Liverpool
Arsenal enjoyed a superb season under Mikel Arteta, particularly in the Premier League, where they finished second behind Manchester City.
Key to their impressive campaign was a superb defence, with the Gunners conceding just 29 goals all season.
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No other club conceded fewer, with Manchester City and Liverpool following them in the table with tallies of 34 and 41 respectively.
Saliba formed a superb partnership in central defence with Gabriel Magalhaes, with goalkeeper David Raya also playing a massive role.
Van Dijk meanwhile perhaps didn’t enjoy his best season in a Liverpool shirt, but injuries to his fellow defenders and goalkeeper Alisson really didn’t help.
The Dutch star still proved his class at the back, and will be a massive player for Slot in his debut season at Anfield.