Is Frimpong an upgrade on Trent? Nope. Is Kerkez and upgrade on Robertson? Nope. Is Ekitike and upgrade on Nunez? Maybe. Maybe not. You can't know until he actually starts playing, but if Nunez goes it doesn't automatically make them stronger.
Wirtz, absolutely. Upgrade because Klopp never really had a pure number 10 in the squad. But it also feels as though Wirtz is going to replace the creative output of Trent, which isn't the same as adding to Trent's creative output. None of this is to say Liverpool won't be a top side next season. But the assumption that every one of their signings is a proven top player isn't true.
When I look at our squad, what I see is a lot of players who have proven it over and over again and won titles, and a lot of young players with really high potential ceilings and the best coach in the world. Liverpool aren't going to walk the league next season. City are going to be an absolute menace because we've addressed 99% of our deficiencies since January and we should fly into the season.
Great seeing posts like this every now and then. Fully agree. Wirtz is obviously a game-changer for them, and the same can be said about Isak if they get him. Liverpool will certainly be strong this season, but Alisson is 32, Salah is 33, and Van Dijk is 34. That's 3 players that are currently best in the world at their positions, that may fall off in the very near future.
Behind Virgil, we have the best centerback in the league in Gvardiol. We have the best midfielder in Rodri. And the best striker in Haaland. And to accompany this, we have quality and depth in each facet of the pitch:
In attack, we have two other world class forwards with a chip on their shoulders in Marmoush and Foden. We have an attacking supporting cast of Cherki, Doku, Savio and Bobb who could take the leap to becoming superstars at any moment. All amazing profiles at young ages with massive ceilings.
In midfield, Reijnders looks absolutely ace, and having Nico G as an understudy is phenomenal. Add in the depth of Bernardo, Kovacic, and Gundo and that to me is as good as anyone. Plus we have Echeverri, Nypan, McAtee, and Nico O'Reilly knocking on the door.
In defence, we have a quality new LB that will be eager to prove his worth. Looked great in the CWC. We have Dias who I have no doubts will look back to his best alongside Gvardiol. We have Stones and Ake who are still elite when available, and we have the depth to keep them around for the ceilings they offer. Akanji another lad who is more than capable of playing minutes in certain matches. Add in some of the worlds best CB prospects in Khusanov, Bah, and Reis who could step-in and become world class at any moment. And cannot forget Nunes and Rico. Nunes took a massive step last season, and who's to say he won't do it again when everyone else's form improves? He played a new position and played it to a high level by the end of the season. People here giving City crap for not signing a right back, but the market is thin and I'm sure its not for a lack of trying. How many right backs are available that are truly a step-up from Nunes? That number is much smaller than some on here seem to think. Rico is useful in that he's versatile, and he's still only 20 years old. I don't think he becomes a world beater due to his physical deficiencies, but he can still be an elite player for us. Top lad.
We just signed Trafford in goal to fight with Ederson over the number one. I'm sure he is rearing to prove himself. Oh, and we have Pep Guardiola. We should be excited and optimistic going in the new season. 4 Prems in 5 years, and 6 in 8 years. We are still the giants. Liverpool have their work cut out for them if they want to take the throne.
Bring it on.
