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Among the Premier League's elite teams, Liverpool have built the most continuity over the last few seasons. The Merseyside giants' owners, the Fenway Sports Group, are notoriously thrifty in the transfer market. As a result, Liverpool do not have the luxury to match the spending of their rivals such as Manchester City.
Manager Jurgen Klopp has, instead, built a solid system at the club. Liverpool's stability means they do not need to run through managers, unlike Chelsea. However, all signs indicate that Klopp intends to take a sabbatical after his contract with Liverpool expires in 2024.
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Liverpool will need to revamp their squad in a few years time
Liverpool's world-class squad is showing no signs of slowing down. However, the harsh reality is that Klopp's likely exit in 2024 could coincide with a decline in quality. While still performing at an elite level right now, most of Liverpool's key players could be past their peak by the time the German tactician's contract runs out.
That includes the likes of Virgil van Dijk, James Milner, Thiago Alcantara, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Joel Matip, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho. They all form the nucleus of the Reds' current squad, but will be past 30 in 2024.
With Liverpool continuing to be severely restricted in the transfer market, they will likely have no choice but to turn to their academy for reinforcements.
Fortunately, the Reds have consistently produced talented players in recent years, and have even sold many of them for healthy profits. Rhian Brewster, Dominic Solanke, Harry Wilson and Andre Wisdom all came up through Liverpool's academy before departing in relatively big-money moves.
On that note, here are five players who could go on to become an integral part of Liverpool's future:
#5 Ibrahima Konate
Signed from RB Leipzig at the start of the ongoing season for £36 million, 22-year-old Ibrahima Konate already looks like a shrewd purchase.
The centre-back remains behind Van Dijk, Matip and Fabinho in the pecking order, but has impressed in the few opportunities that have come his way. He notably appeared comfortable against Cristiano Ronaldo in Liverpool's 5-0 demolition of Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier this season.
Tall, strong and very quick, the French international has all the necessary physical attributes to succeed in the Premier League. With Van Dijk and Matip advancing in age, Konate can be expected to marshall Liverpool's defence with confidence over the next decade.
#4 Curtis Jones
Jurgen Klopp has done a terrific job of blending youth with experience in his Liverpool squad, and Curtis Jones is a good example of it. The 20-year-old midfielder has already made over 50 first-team appearances, and has started in multiple big games for Klopp's side, scoring eight goals.
Not short of confidence, Jones is a clever dribbler, and isn't afraid to go for goal from distance. Capable of playing in a deeper role as well as an advanced position, it's only a matter of time before he receives a maiden England call-up.
#3 Harvey Elliot
Harvey Elliot was enjoying an unexpectedly early breakout season for Liverpool earlier this year before suffering a horrific injury against Leeds United. The 18-year-old winger broke his ankle in his 13th appearance for the club.
Fortunately, a recent update suggests Elliot is making a quick recovery, and could return to training as early as January.
Quick, direct and confident with the ball at his feet, Elliot is a huge threat from wide areas. The young Elliot's involvement with the first team bodes well for Liverpool, who could have a future superstar on their hands.
#4 Joe Gomez
Into his seventh season at Anfield, the 24-year-old Joe Gomez is viewed as Ibrahima Konate's long-term partner at the heart of the Liverpool defence. The experienced English centre-back has already made over 130 appearances for the club.
Gomez is quick, good in the air, adept at reading the game, and strong in the tackle. However, his only drawback is his patchy injury record.
He was limited to seven league appearances last season. and lost his place in the national team after playing only 11 games. Fortunately, the Englishman looks to have put his injury troubles behind him. He has featured in the Premier League and Champions League for Liverpool this season.
#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold
Who else but Liverpool's generational wing-back? At 23, Trent Alexander-Arnold is already arguably the best at his position in the game. Closing in on 200 appearances for the Reds, TAA already has 54 assists for the club, and is a one-man attacking force.
An excellent set-piece taker, Alexander-Arnold also has a lethal delivery from crosses. After suffering a blip in form in the 2020-21 season and missing Euro 2020 with an injury, the defender is back with a vengeance.
Many questioned his place in the England set-up before the start of the season, but it's safe to say that Alexander-Arnold has emphatically silenced his critics.
With two goals and 11 assists in just 19 appearances this season, the Liverpool star has been unstoppable. Although question marks remain over his defensive ability, TAA has raw pace, which makes him serviceable at that end of the pitch.
With at least a decade of elite football ahead of him, Alexander-Arnold is well on his way to becoming a Liverpool legend.
