Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool will be mindful of the challenge posed by five other clubs as they prepare for next season’s Premier League title race.
- Didier Drogba names Premier League star who was ‘robbed’ & deserved to win Ballon d’Or ’10 times’
- Obi Mikel reveals if Victor Osimhen will join Man Utd or Arsenal this summer
- Lamine Yamal dropped clear hint over the Premier League team he would leave Barcelona for
His former team dominated the previous campaign, securing the league title with a comfortable 10-point lead over their closest competitors, marking their 20th triumph in English football. ..Continue Reading
Despite concerns that Liverpool might struggle after Jurgen Klopp’s departure, Arne Slot’s squad defied expectations by clinching the trophy with several games to spare.
Gerrard insists that Liverpool will once again be the team to beat but acknowledges that up to five clubs could emerge as serious contenders.
‘It’s the most difficult league in the world,’ Gerrard, who failed to win the Premier League in his 17-year spell at Anfield, told TNT Sports.
‘Liverpool will be well aware that Man City are going to come back, Arsenal are looking stronger again, the likes of Chelsea are building nicely, Newcastle, Aston Villa are coming in behind.
‘Liverpool will be well aware that they’re going to be the ones that are hunted now. But evidence suggests that Liverpool are going to be strong in the transfer market, so Liverpool are the team to catch for sure.’
Gerrard, one of Liverpool’s greatest ever players, is ‘wary’ of a potentially resurgent Manchester City after their drop-off last season.
He added: ‘I think you’ve got to be wary of Man City and Guardiola, who is the best manager in the world.
‘They’ve done it four years on the spin, they lost Rodri, which was a big blow to them.
‘I think with a fully fit squad, and they’re going to recruit as well, the team that finishes above City will win it again and hopefully, that’s Liverpool.’
Liverpool’s hopes of retaining the Premier League trophy have been boosted by Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk signing new deals at Anfield.
Salah, Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all entered the last few months of their contracts at the club but only Alexander-Arnold will be leaving this summer.
‘They’re two very important players,’ Gerrard said on Salah and Van Dijk. ‘Both world-class, both in peak condition.
‘It was so important, arguably going to be the two most important signings in the next three to four years, because we want to continue to build on this league now and hopefully post more silverware in the next season.
‘I think evidence suggests that he [Salah] is very consistent. He’s scored goals every year he’s been at Liverpool.
‘We all know his professionalism. He lives and breathes the game, he’s got the talent and he’s got the hunger to continue to do so, and I’ve got every confidence in him.’
Liverpool are aiming to strengthen Arne Slot’s squad even further after securing the signing of Dutch defender Jeremie Frimpong.
The club is also engaged in negotiations to bring in Frimpong’s former Bayer Leverkusen teammate, Florian Wirtz, a highly sought-after playmaker who may command a significant transfer fee.
Asked about Liverpool’s transfer plans, Gerrard said: ‘There are rumours obviously, Florian Wirtz. A big talent, who’s done fantastic for Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen.
‘He’s got a huge future in front of him, so if Liverpool is the place for him, let’s hope we can make it happen. I think you’ve got to fix the roof while the sun is shining.
‘We never had a big summer window last year because we already had a team and a squad ready to challenge, but I think if you want to go to the next step, it’s important to keep improving, keep pushing.
‘Frimpong’s done and there’s obviously a lot of rumours swirling around really good, talented players.
‘It looks like Liverpool are going to be the team to catch, and I have every confidence they are going to be stronger next year.’
