Liverpool’s Strongest Starting XI After Milos Kerkez Arrival as Arne Slot Implements New System

Liverpool are set to begin the 2025-26 season with at least four new additions to their squad when they face AFC Bournemouth on the opening day.

The club’s activity in the summer transfer window has been widely praised, sending out a bold message to their Premier League competitors.

Despite having secured the league title last season under Arne Slot’s leadership, the Reds are clearly not content with past achievements. Slot’s immediate success has not stopped Liverpool from seeking further improvement, and Fenway Sports Group have firmly supported their head coach in the bid to secure a record 21st English top-flight title.

Florian Wirtz could end up costing Liverpool as much as £116 million—a potential British transfer record. The Germany star, considered by many as a once-in-a-generation talent, turned down moves to Bayern Munich and Manchester City in favour of joining the Merseyside club. His former Bayer Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong also made the switch to Anfield. Most recently, Milos Kerkez joined from AFC Bournemouth, and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to arrive from Valencia on 1 July, with that deal having been wrapped up last summer.

Some fans on the Kop still want to see reinforcements in attack, though Liverpool’s squad already looks formidable. They begin their title defence at home to Bournemouth on Friday 15 August. For now, Newsnow Liverpool has assembled what appears to be Arne Slot’s strongest possible starting line-up.

Goalkeeper and Defence

GK – Alisson Becker

The Brazil international has declared that he fully intends to see the remaining two years of his contract out despite Mamardashvili signing. Alisson is still regarded as one of the best keepers in the world.

RB – Jeremie Frimpong

It’s fair to say that Liverpool’s style of play with Frimpong will be completely different to Trent Alexander-Arnold operating in the role. Frimpong will be flying up and down the flank rather than dictating with the ball at his feet.

CB – Ibrahima Konate

There is some uncertainty surrounding the France international as he enters the final 12 months of his contract. However, Konate is still regarded as a key player and there is hope that his situation will be resolved. The possible arrival of Marc Guehi would make things interesting, though.

CB – Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool’s captain put pen to paper on a two-year contract towards the end of the season. He is still very much operating at the peak of his powers despite soon turning 34.

LB – Milos Kerkez

It’s not a guarantee that the Reds’ £40 million recruit from Bournemouth will be the out-and-out first choice if Andy Robertson does stay. But Liverpool have splashed out significantly because Kerkez is the heir apparent to Robertson and underlined his quality for the Cherries.

Midfield

DM – Ryan Gravenberch

There might not have been a player in the Premier League who was more of a surprise last season. Gravenberch excelled in the number-six role and the fact he’d barely played there in his career made it more remarkable. He is only going to improve.

DM – Alexis Mac Allister

Perhaps goes understated by opposition fans but clearly not with those he comes up against. Mac Allister has been nominated for PFA Players’ Player of the Year, which underlines how well regarded he is by his peers.

Attack

RW – Mo Salah

Liverpool’s talisman will have more goals, assists and records in his sight. If he replicates what he achieved in 2024-25 then the Reds will have a strong chance of retaining their crown. Salah will also be desperate for another Champions League to add to his CV.

AM – Dominik Szoboszlai

There have been some wondering whether the Hungary international could see his role reduced with Wirtz joining. But Slot is a significant admirer of Szoboszlai’s energy and work-rate as it frees up Salah. That could see Szoboszlai keep his berth.

LW – Luis Diaz

Liverpool have two strong options to pick from with Cody Gakpo also in the squad. But Diaz fired 13 league goals in 2024-25 and none were penalties, which is an impressive feat.

ST – Florian Wirtz

Kopites are relishing the chance to see their record signing in the flash. The No.10 position is his best but Slot has the chance to deploy Wirtz either as a false nine or being fluid with Szoboszlai. Regardless, Slot will have a plan and Wirtz will feature in it.

Subs

Mamardashvili, Bradley, Gomez, Robertson, Endo, Jones, Elliott, Gakpo, Jota.

In other news, Liverpool’s Reasons for Signing Marc Guehi as Medical Booked Amid Contract Standoff