Liverpool have joined an unwanted group, becoming only the fourth reigning Premier League champions to lose four consecutive league games, following Leicester City in 2016/17, the Reds themselves in 2020/21 and Manchester City last season.
Arne Slot’s current side look a long way from retaining the title, having suffered a collapse across defeats to Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United and Brentford.
To put things in perspective, let’s revisit the Liverpool XI under Jurgen Klopp that fell 2–0 to Everton in February 2021, marking their fourth consecutive league loss.
GK: Alisson Becker
The Brazilian goalkeeper remains at Anfield and continues to be one of the world’s top keepers when fit. As with other key Klopp-era signings, he was a cornerstone for Slot when Liverpool secured their second Premier League title.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold’s defensive frailties were often highlighted during his nine years at Liverpool. Since his move to Real Madrid, injuries and competition from Dani Carvajal have limited his playing time. His distribution and attacking link-up with Mohamed Salah are missed at Anfield.
CB: Ozan Kabak
Kabak arrived as defensive cover during an injury crisis, particularly after Virgil van Dijk’s ACL injury, but he struggled to impress. Liverpool did not make his loan permanent. He later had a difficult spell at Norwich and is now back in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim, recently returning from a lengthy ACL recovery.
CB: Jordan Henderson
Henderson was deployed at centre-back during a dark period for Liverpool. After a brief stint in the Saudi Pro League in 2023, he rebuilt his reputation at Ajax and now plays for Brentford.
LB: Andrew Robertson
Robertson remains a key figure at Liverpool and continues to guide the new era under Klopp’s successor. While slowing with age, he still contributes when called upon, particularly when new signing Milos Kerkez struggles.
DM: Georginio Wijnaldum
Wijnaldum left Liverpool at the end of that season and joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. After struggling in France and suffering a serious injury on loan at AS Roma, he now plays in the Saudi Pro League at El-Ettifaq.
CM: Thiago Alcantara
Thiago was Liverpool’s only major signing after their 2020 title but played a small role due to injury setbacks. He retired last summer at 33 and has since become an assistant coach at Barcelona under Hansi Flick.
CM: Curtis Jones
Jones was given opportunities during the injury crisis and remains a reliable squad player at Anfield under Slot with almost 200 appearances.
FWR: Mohamed Salah
Salah remains at Liverpool but has struggled for consistency, though he recently reminded fans of his quality with a fine goal at Brentford. Despite calls for him to be benched, Liverpool’s current issues are far more widespread than one player’s form.
ST: Roberto Firmino
Firmino left Liverpool in 2023 for Saudi club Al-Ahli and has since moved to Qatari champions Al Sadd, continuing his career in the Middle East.
FWL: Sadio Mane
Mane joined Bayern Munich in 2022 but lasted only one season before moving to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. The Senegal international recently qualified for next summer’s World Cup, where he could remind fans of his enduring quality.
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