Four Liverpool players who need a good performance against Chelsea
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To say that the spotlight has intensified on Liverpool over the past seven days is a vast understatement.From 7/7 wins in all competitions, albeit many in an unconvincing and often dramatic manner, to defeats against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray, accompanied by calamity at the back and uncertainty going forward.£446 million spent on 7 arrivals and 6 key departures, chief creator Trent-Alexander-Arnold among them, ought to disrupt the championed ‘Slot-ball’ – for better or worse.While a win would ease the building tension on Merseyside, an assured performance from new and experienced Reds alike will provide some much-needed respite for the travelling Kop.These Liverpool players need a good outing against Chelsea. Ibrahima KonateA player whose future has been shrouded in uncertainty prior to the advent of the new season, Liverpool fans could be excused for thinking that Konate is no longer playing for the badge.Tenuous links with a move to Real Madrid coupled with a disastrous start to the season, have compounded the misery at Anfield of missing out on Marc Guehi’s signature on deadline day.Galatasaray A.S. v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 | Justin Setterfield/GettyImagesWhile it is near impossible to replicate the performances of his counterpart Virgil van Dijk on a weekly basis, Konate’s apparent overconfidence on the ball is landing him in all sorts of trouble.Often erratic in nature this season, the warring centre back of last season must make an imposing return if Liverpool are to challenge on all four fronts, as Joe Gomez watches on with prying eyes.Florian WirtzA joint best 21 chances created, equalled only by Jack Grealish should allay fears that Wirtz is the latest player to fall victim to his impossibly high price tag.But no goals or assists since his solitary contribution in August’s Community Shield final would suggest otherwise.While there is no mistaking the German’s confidence in progressing the ball, his decision-making in the final third indicates his lack of conviction.Liverpool FC v Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 | Richard Sellers/Allstar/GettyImagesWirtz is also a byproduct of an entirely new midfield setup, with Arne Slot deploying two midfielders behind the floating number 10, leaving a gaping hole that has yet to be plugged.Some stability in the middle of the park will give Liverpool’s No.
7 the confidence to express himself, as fellow Reds wait for their big-money signing to take a game by the scruff of the neck.Giorgi MamardashviliAlisson picking up an injury in Istanbul on Tuesday meant that the Georgian replaced him in the second half.Slot was tight-lipped about when the Brazilian would return, but Alisson potentially faces six weeks on the sidelines.Liverpool v Southampton - Carabao Cup Third Round | Jan Kruger/GettyImagesMamardashvili was signed not only to replace Caoimhin Kelleher, but as a long-term successor for Liverpool’s No. 1.Following an assured performance against Southampton in the Carabao Cup, another one against Chelsea would provide him with a welcome confidence boost, as he looks to lay down the gauntlet.
Alexis Mac AllisterLiverpool’s best midfielder last season has made a surprisingly underwhelming start to the campaign.Having struggled with injury throughout the summer, which kept him from being a regular during pre-season, this blip appears to have translated onto the pitch.Liverpool FC v Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 | Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImagesThe Argentine’s ability to conduct Liverpool's midfield was crucial to their title success, and Slot will rely on him more than ever in his new look midfield.While Mac Allister may start the game at Stamford Bridge on the bench, as Curtis Jones remains the preferred option, he will have the opportunity to impact the result on the pitch.