Through several years of stumbles in the Premier League, Liverpool has once again become enjoyable to watch in Arne Slot’s first season.
Leading the Premier League with a 12-point lead over Arsenal, the Reds are well-placed to secure major silverware in Slot's first season.
There are multiple factors contributing to Liverpool’s incredible run this season. Beyond witnessing the 32-year-old Mo Salah’s historic momentum, Liverpool’s more balanced play and more effective goal production are noteworthy.
How? While the team is taking a break from matches due to international duties, it’s a good time to reflect on what they did in the transfer market two years ago when we brought in Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai—the quartet that truly changed the team as unsung heroes behind the scenes.
Wataru Endo
With a £16 million transfer fee, Endo arrived at Liverpool from VfB Stuttgart, bringing over 400 club appearances and international leadership with Japan with him.
Initially a defensive midfielder with the versatility to slot into the backline, he has gradually become a steady presence in Liverpool’s engine room.
Despite unsatisfactory performances in his initial showcase, he remained unfazed by relentless physical contact, patiently finding his identity under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot.
After days of adaptation, he became adept at winning possession on the defensive end and delivering calm passes and ball handling during high-pressure matchups.
Though Endo hasn’t earned significant minutes this season, it doesn’t diminish his importance to the team when needed.
In baseball, teams always require a closer to seal off wins. Under Slot’s leadership, he played a similar role when coming off the bench in the last 30 minutes, using his fresh energy to solidify the backline.
In some cup matches, Slot also tapped into his experience as a defensive midfielder, allowing Liverpool to transition the ball from back to front. Endo has been great value in his time at Anfield.
Ryan Gravenberch
Gravenberch's time at Bayern Munich was marked by limited opportunities, starting only three games in the 2022-2023 season, accumulating 938 minutes across 33 appearances.
Although his attacking potential was recognized by Liverpool, Gravenberch faced challenges in defining his role last season under Jurgen Klopp.
However, after transitioning to Slot's leadership, he successfully adapted to assist his teammates by shifting to a deep-lying midfield position.
Under the Dutch manager, Gravenberch acts as a critical link between defense and attack. In 28 Premier League matches this season, he averaged more than one successful take-on.
His exceptional ability to spark offensive plays through a smooth first touch, precise passing, and excellent ball control has made him an integral part of Liverpool’s system.
In his second season with Liverpool, he has seen his standing within the club and the sport rise to unexpected heights.
Alexis Mac Allister
Riding the World Cup wave, the Argentinian international signed with Liverpool in a reported £35 million deal in 2023.
Mac Allister quickly integrated into Liverpool’s midfield, making 46 appearances across all competitions, with seven goals and seven assists in the 2023/24 season.
While playing for Brighton, Mac Allister honed his game in a possession-oriented system under coach Graham Potter.
This season, he has continued to impress under Slot, who shares a similar tactical philosophy. Now a key creative outlet, he thrives in transforming defense into offense through clinical passes.
With an 85.2% passing accuracy this season, he produces more than five progressive passes in 28 matches. His scoring in crucial moments has also solidified his status as Liverpool’s offensive stalwart.
He remains an insane return on investment for the club.
Dominik Szoboszlai
Acquired for around £60 million, Szoboszlai has emerged as a vital creative force. Known for his impressive performances at RB Leipzig, the Hungarian midfielder was expected to bolster Liverpool’s frontline.
However, he generated only five goals and assists last year and found himself benched later in the season, despite his notable chances created.
Under Slot, Szoboszlai has thrived this season, scoring five goals and assisting three times, surpassing his total from last season.
His high work rate—evident from his remarkable running distance—combined with his proficiency in long-range shooting and set-piece delivery, injects both energy and a significant goal threat into Liverpool’s midfield.
His versatility also aligns with Slot's 4-3-3 formation, enhancing Liverpool's midfield dynamics. He still has the highest ceiling of these four projecting forward.