Liverpool's two-nil victory over Burnley on Boxing Day, was their nineteenth match of the 2023/24 Premier League season. That means that the season is exactly half way through, and that makes it the perfect time to write up our 'LFC Half Term Report'.
Pre-season expectations
Lets be honest - before the season started, very few LFC fans predicted we would he sitting top of the table at the half way point.
Although Klopp and his recruitment team had done a good job rebuiding the midfield, between the disappointment of Caicedo and Lavia rejecting us for Chelsea, and the never-ending stories about Salah leaving for Saudi Arabia, many fans would have settled for a top 4 spot. A title challenge would be nice, but so long as the Reds got back into the Champions League, most fans would think progress had been made.
Yet here we are, heading into 2024 with Liverpool not only in great shape for a top 4 spot, but in with a realistic chance of challenging for the title.
Klopp would be the first to admit that more work needs to be done, and that the team could perform more consistently, but huge credit must go to all the staff and players for their efforts so far.
19 Games, 42 Points
Liverpool have collected 42 points out of a possible 57. They have won 12, drawn 6 and lost 1 game so far.
They have scored 39 goals and conceeded 16, giving them a goal difference of +23.
Liverpool's 12 victories is the joint most in the league, alongside Arsenal and Aston Villa. Man City have 11 victories, and they have a game in hand, so they could match our record.
Liverpool have lost the fewest games of any team in the league (just one), and that defeat came at the hands of the referee and VAR officials, who completely botched numerous calls during our game at Tottenham.
Liverpool have conceeded the fewest goals so far in the league (16), and have the best goal difference (although that could change after City play their game in hand). It speaks volumes that Liverpool's defence and midfield, which were so maligned last season, have improved so much. Alisson has once again been magnificent, and has 6 clean sheets to his name, the joint most of any keeper in the league.
Summer signings make all the difference
Liverpool needed a squad overhaul in the summer, and that's what they got. Some fans may have wanted one or two more players to arrive, but no-one can complain about the quality the new signings have added to the squad.
Dominik Szoboszlai - Wearing no.8 and scoring 25 yard screamers, Szoboslai is certainly doing all he can to emulate the great Stevie G. He has been the driving force behind our midfield improvement, and has added pace, passing and an eye for goal to a midfield that lacked all three lat year. Even when not at his best, he still has the quality and confidence to produce a piece of magic.
Alexis Mac Allister - We may not have seen the best of our combative Argentinian yet, but we've seen enough to know he will be a quality player for LFC for years to come. Despite playing out of position for most of the season, Mac Allister has been a combative presence in midfield.
Wataru Endo - Few people knew of the Japanese Captain before he arrived, but LFC fans are glad he is here. It took a couple of games to find his feet, but Endo is showing just why he led the Bundesliga in tackles and interceptions. He has shielded the defence brilliantly in recent games, and showed just what we were missing last season.
Ryan Gravenberch - As with many new signings, Klopp is easing Gravenberch in gently, but he is definately an exciting prospect. With pace, power and an eye for goal, Gravenberch offers something different to our other midfielders. 2024 could be an exciting year for him and LFC.
Youngsters step up
Liverpool have produced many great young players over the years, but we certainly seem to be in a 'golden era' at the moment. With Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott in midfield, Jarrell Quansah and Conor Bradley at the back, and Coamhim Kelleher as our no.2, the future looks very bright for Liverpool. Even better than that, all our youngsters are contributing to the team whenever called upon. A special shout out has to go to Elliott for his positivity and link up play with Salah, whilst Quansah has been a revelation at the back.
Never say die attitude
Of all the attributes that Klopp's teams have had over the years, mental toughness and a 'never say die' attitude have to be two of the most important. So far this season, Liverpool have picked up 19 points from losing positions, far more than any other side in the league. Not surprisingly, they have also scored many late goals, with 15 so far being scored in the 76th minute or later. Whilst it's never good to conceed the first goal, Liverpool's ability to fight back and rescue, or more often than not win, the game, has helped them reach the top of the table. Will they always be able to find a way to rescue a game, probably not, but they will always fight to the end, and that is what makes them so dangerous in the title race.
Do you agree with our 'Liverpool half term report'? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below....
If you liked the article 'Liverpool half term report', then please like and share this page with your friends, or leave a comment below.
For all the latest Liverpool FC news - visit our dedicated news page, where you'll find breaking news, match reports, transfer gossip, injury news and much more.
Looking to earn some extra money? Earn cash online by completing surveys, testing products and playing mobile games with Swagbucks. Sign up for Free and start Earning today!
#LFC #Liverpool #LiverpoolFC #YNWA #TheReds #LFCBackOnOurPerch #Anfield #Football
... About The Author ...
Peter Farrell - Editor and Chief Article Writer, LFC - Back On Our Perch
Articles written by Author :: 570
Lifelong fan with a passion for all things Liverpool. First memory of football is watching John Barnes score a dramatic last minute equaliser in the FA Cup when he was 4. Feels lucky to be a part of the 'Klopp' era.
Other General News articles you might like to read...
- Jarell Quansah wants to become “a Champion with Liverpool”By Peter Farrell8 October 2024After committing his long-term future to the club, young defender Jarell Quansah has stated his desire to "become a Champion with Liverpool". […]No Comments
- Liverpool FC Weekly Review – 7th October 2024By Peter Farrell7 October 2024LFC - Back On Our Perch looks back over another successful week of football for the men's, women's, and academy sides. […]No Comments
- Kelleher set for extended first-team run with Alisson injured againBy Peter Farrell6 October 2024Liverpool will once again need to call on the services of Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, with first-choice no.1, Alison, set for an extended spell on the sidelines. […]No Comments
- Arne Slot breaks Jurgen Klopp record as Liverpool stay topBy Peter Farrell6 October 2024Arne Slot continued his excellent start to life at Anfield on Saturday, as Liverpool secured a one-nil victory over Crystal Palace in the lunchtime kick-off. […]No Comments
- Mo Salah continues to break recordsBy Peter Farrell4 October 2024Liverpool's Egyptian King has been in fine form since the start of the season, registering six goals and five assists in just nine appearances. […]No Comments
Affiliate Links & Disclaimer
This post may contains affiliate links, meaning, we promote products or services on external websites that we have used or know well and may receive a commission if you purchase them too (at no additional cost to you). This helps keep LFC - Back On Our Perch free to use. Our editorial decision making is not affected by the inclusion of such links.
*Please note that LFC - Back On Our Perch is a fan site and is not linked in any way to Liverpool FC. For the official Liverpool FC website please visit liverpoolfc.com