Alan Shearer Reveals who Deserves ‘Huge Credit’ for Liverpool’s Success This Season | OneFootball

Analysing Liverpool’s Unsung Heroes of the Season

Liverpool’s journey this season in the Premier League has been a tale of resilience and tactical acumen. As Alan Shearer highlighted on The Rest is Football, the club’s success is due in no small part to the remarkable fitness levels maintained throughout the squad. In a league where the physical demand can break even the best, Liverpool’s management of player health stands out as a cornerstone of their strategy for success.

Fitness: Liverpool’s Secret Weapon

Liverpool’s relative freedom from serious injuries has been a significant advantage over their main rivals. While teams like Arsenal have seen their ambitions curtailed by injuries to key players like Kai Havertz, Liverpool have managed to keep their squad largely intact. As Shearer puts it, “You know what, we’ve spoken so many times this season about teams and their injuries, you’ve got to give great credit to the physios, doctors, sports scientists. Whatever they’ve done at Liverpool this year, because they have played in every competition… and they have not really had big injuries, have they to their big players?”

This health advantage has allowed Liverpool to compete on all fronts effectively, maintaining a high level of performance in both domestic and European competitions.

Key Players Maintaining Peak Condition

The backroom staff’s expertise in Liverpool is evident when you consider the minimal impact injuries have had on their campaign. Players like Cody Gakpo and Alisson, who have suffered minor setbacks, were quickly restored to full fitness, missing only a handful of games. This rapid recovery has been vital, ensuring that manager Arne Slot has had his key players available for the majority of the season.

Tactical Adjustments by Arne Slot

The strategic foresight of Arne Slot has also been pivotal. Recognizing the intensity of the season, Slot has occasionally rotated his squad, giving players like Mohamed Salah necessary rest to avoid burnout. This approach not only preserves the players’ physical condition but also keeps the team fresh and competitive across all competitions.

Photo: IMAGO

Implications for the Season’s Climax

As the season enters its critical phase, every match increases in significance. Liverpool’s ability to field a strong, healthy team gives them a tangible advantage as they look to secure their title ambitions. The work of the medical team, as noted by Shearer, has undoubtedly placed Liverpool in an enviable position as they approach the finish line.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool fans, the current season has been a thrilling ride, and much of that excitement comes from knowing that our team is not just talented, but also exceptionally well-prepared. The efforts of the backroom staff have been nothing short of heroic. Ensuring our key players like Salah, Alisson, and Alexander-Arnold are fit and performing at their best gives us a distinct edge that we’ve sometimes lacked in past seasons.

Arne Slot’s management style, emphasizing not just tactical knowledge but also player welfare, aligns perfectly with the ethos of the club. It’s reassuring to see the team in such capable hands after Klopp’s era. With the Champions League still in play and the Premier League title within reach, it’s an exhilarating time to be a Red. This season could very well be remembered for its masterclass in management and medical care, proving once again why Liverpool is a club that others aspire to emulate.