Premier League 2018-19: 5 reasons why 2019 could be Liverpool's year

Modified Jan 02, 2019 20:33 GMT

Rival fans often chide Liverpool fans for their belief in the team and sometimes misguided title proclamations. "Next year will be our year" is more often than not used as a meme by rivals to attack the Reds fans.

But in 2019, Liverpool are well placed to end their league title drought. Critics would say that they were well placed in 2013-14 too, but they would be wrong to compare this Liverpool's side with the team led by Steven Gerrard.

Here, we look at 5 reasons why this Liverpool is different from the past, and why in 2019 they could finally silence their rivals:

#1 The team is fast and can counter-attack effectively

I have not seen the empirical data but boy this team looks fast. In the past, when Manchester United were winning the league every single year, the one difference which I observed between them and Liverpool was the pace. They were fast, Liverpool were slow - especially on the counter attacks.

The Liverpool of 2013-14 were fast, and that's why they were so fun to watch and almost won the league. Then they lost it as usual, but that's a discussion for another day.

The Liverpool of 2018-19 can destroy your team in a matter of minutes with their fast counter attacks. Then there is Van Dijk, who can stop the opposition with his pace. Alisson isn't slow either.

#2 The defence is actually good

Liverpool FC v Manchester City - Premier League

The Manchester United of Sir Alex Ferguson were defensively strong. I especially remember the Ferdinand-Vidal days, when they were intercepting almost every ball which entered their area.

One reason why Liverpool didn't win the league in 2013-14 was their weak defence. But Liverpool in 2018 have sorted out that weakness by buying the colossal Virgil Van Dijk and Alisson Becker.

Rival fans made fun of them for spending EPL-record money on these two, but who is laughing now? This team is now offensively magnificent and defensively reliable. Opponents are rightly very afraid.

#3 The offence is destructive

Last year, Mohamed Salah was proclaimed as a one-season wonder. This year, he is being called a two-season wonder. In the next 3-4 years, will he become 3-season, 4-season and 5-season wonder?

Combined with Mane and Firmino, Salah has formed the most destructive attacking force in EPL.

Be afraid EPL teams, be very afraid. These three will not let you stop them from winning all.

#4 Anfield is bigger now

Anfield is the most hostile stadium for opposing teams. According to Cristiano Ronaldo, this was the toughest Premier League stadium he played in.

In 2013-14, the capacity was approximately 45,000, and Liverpool finished second. Presently, the capacity is 54,074, so the intimidation factor is bound to be even stronger.

Increased capacity always helps, especially when the stadium is as vocal as Anfield. KOP stand's "You Will Never Walk Alone" chant helps too.

5. Jurgen Klopp

Rafa Benitez and Brendan Rodgers were good coaches, but Klopp is different. Most of the football teams in the world would gladly swap their coaches for the inventor of "Heavy Metal Football".

Liverpool are lucky to have him. And Klopp should thank them for keeping patience with him.

He has built something special with Liverpool, and the time has come for him to get the rewards. A 2018-19 EPL win will be appropriate.