With the frustration of the 2025 Community Shield now firmly behind us, we can turn our attention to the beginning of Liverpool's Premier League title defense.
They begin their second full season under Arne Slot in the league kickoff match on Friday against a scrappy Bournemouth side. The Reds will be looking to get off to a strong start in this one and will be looking to get the maximum three points from the match.
In order to get there, Slot will need some of his star players to raise their games from what we saw on Sunday afternoon. Let's take a look at five players that must start for Liverpool against Bournemouth.
1. Alexis Mac Allister
It was clear against Crystal Palace that the Reds missed the Argentine in the midfield sweeping up the messes left behind by over-aggressive fullbacks or poor giveaways in midfield.
Now it makes sense why Slot was so hesitant to rest him last season, as he has grown so important in what Liverpool are trying to do each time they take the pitch.
He has rapidly grown in the defensive department and his reading of the game and ability to snap into challenges has made him such a valuable piece of the machine. Throw in his ability to then turn around and get his side moving forward on counters, and he must be in the lineup to face the Cherries if his fitness permits it.
I expect a sterling performance from him in this one as he will bring some more stability back to the midfield that was lacking on Sunday.
2. Florian Wirtz
This is probably an obvious one, but he has been so good in preseason and on Sunday that I just need to reinforce the notion that he could be about to take England by storm.
He is the main creative asset now for the Liverpool attack and most things are flowing through the German who has shown good chemistry with several players already and this should only get better and better as the weeks and months go by.
When the Reds play against vastly outmatched teams, there is the expectation that these clubs will play low blocks and try not to get overrun.
Having a player like Wirtz that can unlock any defense in the world with his wide range of passes is a crucial tool to have in matches like that. He should be a central figure when things get going on Friday.
3. Cody Gakpo
Let's not get cute here. While Gakpo was largely invisible during the Community Shield, he is still primed for a huge season in 2025/26.
He has the trust of the coaching staff and his teammates which should arm him with an extra confidence now that the left side of the attack is his without question following the departure of Luis Diaz.
His directness when on the ball is a driving force in a lot of attacks for Liverpool and if he gets a head of steam when he cuts inside, lookout.
His pace and aggression will be essential when playing a Bournemouth team that is likely to pack things in the middle, thus freeing up the Dutchman for action on the left wing.
I would not be shocked at all if he comes out of this match with a goal to his name.
4. Virgil van Dijk
The Community Shield was probably one of the worst performances van Dijk has put on tape in a Liverpool shirt in his career.
However, I still think this was an aberration and he will be back to his imperious best when the Premier League season kicks off.
With the central defensive ranks extra depleted as of this writing, his leadership and experience are going to be heavily relied upon for as long as his body and form will allow.
He will need to get on the same page with Milos Kerkez though to clean up the huge gaps that were very much taken advantage of by Palace. He should, and will, be one of the first names on the teamsheet for the foreseeable future.
5. Mohamed Salah
I considered having Hugo Ekitike in this slot, but it felt needed to give a reminder of the greatness of Salah at Liverpool.
While he was the other star veteran that struggled on Sunday, the Egyptian King will surely put on a better effort on Friday.
Salah was nigh invisible all day long before sending his penalty to the moon in the shootout. It was a rough day at the office.
Again, that does not mean the end is now and his contract extension was a bust. He is still the most versatile and dangerous goalscorer at Liverpool's disposal and he will be eager to redeem himself when we kickoff against Bournemouth.
Look for a goal or an assist from our No. 11 on Friday.