Liverpool is back in action, hitting the training ground at the AXA Training Center. While some players, like Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones, are yet to join due to their England Under-21s’ victory commitments, Jurgen Klopp anticipates a full squad for training in Germany before their first friendly against Karlsruher. With their Premier League opener against Chelsea a month away, players are eager to prove themselves after missing out on Champions League qualification last season.

Darwin Nunez

No Liverpool player will be under a brighter spotlight than Darwin Nunez, the pricey recruit from Benfica last summer. Nunez capped the previous season with a total of 15 goals across all competitions and also crafted numerous opportunities for his teammates.Yet, Darwin spent substantial time on the bench towards the season’s end, hinting that his debut year at Merseyside raised more questions than answers. The attacking race promises to be fierce this season, especially as Luis Diaz makes a full-throttle return, adding immense pressure on Nunez to vividly demonstrate why Liverpool was willing to shell out an initial £64 million for his services.

Fabinho

Liverpool predicted challenges for key players after their intense pursuit of a historic double in the 2021-2022 season. Fabinho’s notable decline hit hard, as the team heavily relies on his midfield prowess. Will he reclaim his prime form in the upcoming 2023-2024 season? The preseason holds the answers.

Joel Matip

Joel Matip is undoubtedly a cherished figure at Liverpool, adored by both the team and fans. However, he finds himself in a situation akin to Gomez’s. Injuries have been a concern, and even when fit, Matip featured in only seven Premier League matches during the latter half of the previous season.

Matip turns 32 next month, casting doubts on his Anfield future as the new season approaches. With just a year left on his contract and a history of minor injuries and illnesses, it’s possible Liverpool might seriously consider his departure if an offer comes in. Nevertheless, for now, Matip’s focus remains on getting himself in the best possible shape for the upcoming season.

Joe Gomez

This summer holds paramount importance for Joe Gomez, akin to a pivotal chapter in his Liverpool journey. Once hailed as Virgil van Dijk’s ideal partner, he gradually slid down the pecking order, featuring in just one of the last 10 Premier League games in the 2022-2023 season – even in the trivial 4-4 draw with Southampton on the final day.

Staying injury-free remains Gomez’s foremost challenge. When fully fit, his versatility as a center-back or right-back fits Klopp’s system seamlessly, complementing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s attacking prowess. With Ibrahima Konate projected to partner Van Dijk, Gomez must prove his worth during preseason, whether he’s vying for Klopp’s attention or considering other options.

Stefan Bajcetic

Unearthed last season, Stefan Bajcetic impressed in his first-team outings, but a regrettable thigh injury cut his campaign short in March. Prior to that, the Spanish talent secured a new contract shortly after becoming the third-youngest Liverpool scorer. Mo Salah hailed Bajcetic as “the best player” at The Reds, and rightly so. Before his injury, he even started in the Champions League Round of 16 against Real Madrid, showcasing Klopp’s trust in him.

Should Bajcetic prove his full recovery during preseason, fans may worry less about Liverpool’s reported reluctance to buy a defensive midfielder before the transfer window shuts.