Liverpool starting XI said it all about dreadful season as £450m absence speaks volumes

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Ian Doyle with the talking points from Liverpool's Premier League clash at home to Brentford on Sunday afternoonLiverpool spent almost £450million in an unprecedented transfer splurge last summer to bolster the defence of their dominant Premier League title triumph.It says much, then, about the subsequent campaign that not a single one of those eight senior signings was in the starting line-up for season finale. Indeed, nine of the 11 who walked out for the Reds against Brentford had done so in the title-winning clash against Tottenham Hotspur 13 months earlier.Okay, there could be an argument that sentiment played a part in Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson being named in the XI And Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni have long been sidelined by serious injury.But that Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak were among the substitutes pointed to the issues with fitness and form that have plagued the supposed next generation at Anfield.READ MORE: Mohamed Salah chokes up in tears after Liverpool guard of honour in emotional farewellREAD MORE: Andy Robertson pays classy tribute to Everton captain Seamus Coleman after Liverpool goodbyeIsak in particular has had a nightmare campaign following his contentious British record £125milion arrival from Newcastle United, rarely looking anything other than a shadow of the player who tormented the Premier League while on Tyneside.While perhaps one eye was on the World Cup, it was nevertheless a surprise that Isak was not among those who emerged from the bench in the closing stages.The Sweden international’s absence didn’t matter here.

But Isak simply must be more available next season.Rio grand againOn a day celebrating the past, there was another glimpse into Liverpool’s future.By once again being selected on the left flank, Rio Ngumoha became the first 17-year-old since Raheem Sterling during the 2012/13 season to start three successive Premier League games for the Reds.This was another different test for the teenager up against the physical prowess of Brentford defender Michael Kayode. But while inevitably overpowered on occasion, Ngumoha kept on coming back for more and was close with one right-foot curler that is fast becoming his trademark.Having been called up to Thomas Tuchel's England squad to help bolster numbers for their friendlies ahead of the World Cup, Ngumoha’s season isn’t over just yet with his international nod recognition of progress this campaign.Trey Nyoni, the 18-year-old midfielder, has been far less prominent despite being a first-team squad regular, and is still to make his first Premier League start.

And Liverpool certainly seemed like they played in more games than their eventual tally of 57.Fitting, then, that it all ended in a whimper, winning just three of their final 11 matches in all competitions.That trio of victories, though, was important, with Fulham, Everton and Crystal Palace beaten in successive April weekends to give Liverpool the breathing space they ultimately required to earn a top-five finish.This has been a season of four distinct phases. All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page