Since the start of the season, pundits, fans and football enthusiasts have been lauding the palpable strength of Premier League teams Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City.
Much of the discourse surrounding who will challenge for the league title this season has been centered around those three teams, with many even suggesting that this could be one of the best title races in recent years.
Questions can be raised however, about a certain team out of the red half of Merseyside, that has seemingly slipped under the radar this season. In many predictions, Liverpool has failed to generate much fan-fare surrounding the possibility of them challenging for the Premier League. Despite still having the likes of Salah, Mane, Virgil van Dijk and Allison in their team, many believe that due to the competition strengthening their squads and the lack of reinforcements at Liverpool, a massive disparity has occurred causing Jurgen Klopp and his team to fall further down the pecking order of public perception.
“The best time to strengthen is when you are on top.” A key philosophy that many successful teams in the past have adhered to. Chelsea was no different this season, adding more quality to a team that won the UEFA Champions League this past June. Bringing in the likes of Lukaku and Saul, two of Europe’s most coveted names in their respective positions, Chelsea signaled their intent to remain one of the superior forces in the world.
Manchester United’s acquisition of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo is perhaps enough evidence to argue that their names should be tossed around in the title-winning discussions, simply because of the caliber of the Portuguese attacker. The purchase of Raphael Varane from Real Madrid earlier on in the summer as well, a four-time Champions League winner with Ronaldo at Real Madrid, was also a sign that United were not only adding quality to their squad, but proven winners who can perhaps instill that mentality within the club.
Same can be said for Manchester City, though they failed to sign a recognized center forward to replace club legend Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero, the team is still stacked with players who are used to winning titles and, of course, the addition of Jack Grealish is no measly inclusion.
Liverpool have been quietly impressing and silencing the critics who have written them off this season. They are the only team in the league yet to lose a single match this season.
Would it be fair to say Liverpool are the dark horses of the league this season? No, their team should very much be respected and their squad can still arguably be touted as one of the best in the world. However, in comparison to the teams around them, they can be seen as outsiders due to the sheer depth at the other three clubs.
The transfers done at Chelsea, Man United and Man City have been highly publicized, which means more expectations have been placed on those teams. This, many can agree, is a good thing for Jurgen Klopp and his men as the expectations will be low.
Liverpool’s last title victory was not that long ago, in fact, it was just last year when they completely dominated the league to clinch their 1st English Premier League championship by 18 points. This team does know how to win and it would be foolish for pundits and fans alike to disapprove of Liverpool’s threat in the title race.