It has been encouraging to witness Mohamed Salah return to something approaching his best form now that his impending departure from Liverpool has been officially confirmed. Throughout this season, Salah has often appeared burdened, playing like a forward with heavy legs and a preoccupied mind. However, recent displays suggest he is preparing to depart with more positive memories in the bank.
Signs of Revival Amidst Uncertainty
In the Merseyside derby against Everton and following his substitute appearance against Paris Saint-Germain last week, Salah has not been completely transformed, but his energy and confidence have visibly returned. For some of his teammates, significant doubts persist. As Liverpool's disappointing campaign nears its conclusion, the necessity for another mini-rebuild becomes increasingly apparent.
At minimum, it seems Liverpool will require another wide forward, a central defender, and potentially a new right-back. The goalkeeping position also raises questions. Brazilian shot-stopper Alisson is 33 years old and becoming more susceptible to injuries. His deputy, Giorgi Mamardashvili, is developing but not yet at the elite level demanded by top clubs, where world-class goalkeepers are now a priority.
Defensive Concerns Mount at Anfield
Central defence remains a pressing concern and a priority for Liverpool, who continue to suffer the consequences of failing to secure Marc Guehi last August. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have been warriors for the club this season, largely because they had to be after promising youngster Giovanni Leoni suffered a serious knee injury on his debut.
Van Dijk has started every Premier League match this season, while Konate has missed just two. Unsurprisingly, they have occasionally looked exhausted. Neither covered themselves in glory during Everton's equaliser in the recent derby. Konate is reportedly close to signing a new contract, but while Van Dijk remains a formidable presence and the squad's spiritual leader, he turns 35 in July and is not the player he once was. At the highest level, margins are slim, and he is now on the wrong side of them.
The right-back position presents another clear issue. Liverpool boast one of football's brightest young talents in Conor Bradley, but the Northern Irishman, aged 22, has been plagued by injuries and has only made 29 league starts. Last summer's signing Jeremie Frimpong was overlooked in the derby, with Curtis Jones deployed in that role by manager Arne Slot, who performed admirably.
The Scale of Liverpool's Challenge
This outlines the magnitude of Liverpool's task as they seek to progress. Whether Slot remains or departs—and a comfortable Champions League finish would aid his cause—a squad that saw significant investment last summer requires further work. The club is expected to receive around £100 million for participating in Europe's premier competition next season, and it appears they will need every penny.
Wirtz Shows Glimpses of Quality
Liverpool's major signing from last summer, Alexander Isak, was poor against Everton but needs time. The Swedish striker is clearly not match-fit, and it's doubtful he would have started had Hugo Ekitike not suffered a severe injury recently. Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz continues to show improvement, as evidenced again in the derby. Much of the brilliant German's work is currently lost within Liverpool's broader struggles. Provide him with a better platform next season, and he will undoubtedly shine.
Post-Match Honesty and Atmosphere
Curtis Jones offered some refreshing honesty in a post-match interview with Scandinavian broadcaster Viaplay's Jan Age Fjortoft, suggesting Everton's celebrations over being two points behind Liverpool in one of their worst seasons revealed the difference between the teams. Some deemed his comments disrespectful, but they were interesting and candid.
Meanwhile, Everton may have lost the derby, but they can take satisfaction from successfully transferring the noise and passion from Goodison Park to their new Hill Dickinson Stadium. The atmosphere was terrific, with the opening siren of their 'Z Cars' entry music remaining one of sport's most powerful moments.
Broader Premier League Observations
Erling Haaland's 34 goals this season demonstrate the enduring value of a top number nine, despite some experts remaining unconvinced. His battle with Arsenal's Gabriel was fascinating, though the Brazilian should have been sent off for a headbutt. At Fulham, Marco Silva's future is uncertain, with Thomas Frank spotted in the stands during Brentford's draw with Fulham, sparking speculation about a potential change.
In North London, Tottenham's struggles highlight poor transfer judgement, exemplified by the £20 million permanent signing of Kevin Danso, who has been underwhelming. Newcastle face a potentially turbulent summer, with Eddie Howe, Bruno Guimaraes, and Anthony Gordon all possibly departing. Anthony Gordon's six Premier League goals this season may not be enough to attract elite clubs, risking a move to Chelsea.
Wider Football Landscape
Marie-Louisa Eta made history as the first female coach to take charge at a club in Europe's top five leagues at Union Berlin, but her team lost their first game, and it has already been decided she will move to the women's team in summer, making the appointment seem like a PR exercise. Sheffield Wednesday's draw with Charlton extended their winless home run to over a year, a Football League record, yet they attracted over 25,000 fans, showing loyalty transcends results.
In the National League, Rochdale's 99th-minute winner sets up a final-day showdown with York for automatic promotion, highlighting the need for play-off reforms. Teams finishing just outside automatic spots should perhaps go straight to the final, with others competing to face them.
