Liverpool have a 22-point lead at the top of the Premier League but their squad is only now taking real shape.
The Reds have been near-perfect this season. As close to perfect as you can get without hitting it, actually. They’ve dropped just two points in the Premier League after 25 games and have a record lead at this stage.
That, by any measurement, is truly outstanding. And yet, there’s a real feeling that more is to come. Liverpool’s squad is only now finding its stride, after all.
Jurgen Klopp’s side picked up results at the start of the season despite their shortcomings. Namely, they couldn’t keep clean-sheets. They only had two by the start of December, which didn’t bode well given that Fabinho picked up an injury.
That came at a time when Joel Matip was out, too, and Dejan Lovren soon went with them. Naby Keita, too, would get another injury in late December.
But over that period, Liverpool won every game with the first-team. They also fixed their clean-sheet problem by conceding just one league goal in nearly two months.
Liverpool maintained their incredible lead despite the squad lacking key players. That should frighten every rival. Even those looking to compete in the Champions League.
Because just now is Liverpool’s squad getting back together. Fabinho returned from injury, as has Keita. Matip and Lovren played in the FA Cup.
We saw them tear Southampton apart even without Sadio Mane. Klopp moved players around and yet Liverpool looked as unstoppable as ever.
With Mane back – and fewer injuries in general – Liverpool will only improve. And that’s pretty incredible.
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