Hugo Ekitike’s FA Cup impact and the class of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk suggest Liverpool retain match-winning firepower. Punters could back Ekitike as an anytime scorer and Liverpool for clean sheets when Van Dijk starts; Salah remains a reliable anytime-goalscorer option.
Liverpool's rocky campaign but clear match-winners remain
Liverpool have endured a difficult season despite a squad packed with high-profile names. Key figures such as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk continue to provide moments of class that can decide big games, even as questions linger over long-term planning and consistency.
Hugo Ekitike: instant impact off the bench
Hugo Ekitike made a telling contribution coming off the bench, scoring against Barnsley in the FA Cup. The French striker has adapted quickly to English football and is already being viewed as one of this summer's most successful signings for Liverpool, offering a potent option as a super-sub.
Mohamed Salah — still elite amid future speculation
Mohamed Salah remains one of world football’s top forwards and is under contract at Liverpool until 2026. While there are ongoing questions about his long-term future at Anfield, his ability to influence matches — goals, assists and leadership — keeps him central to Liverpool’s attacking threat.
Virgil van Dijk: recognised among the very best
Virgil van Dijk continues to enjoy elite status among centre-backs. High-profile endorsements from former greats have reinforced his reputation as the benchmark for modern central defenders, highlighting his importance to Liverpool’s defensive stability and leadership on the pitch.
Form boost elsewhere: Florian Wirtz and attacking returns
Florian Wirtz has begun to recapture form, contributing more goals and assists in recent months. While not yet universally considered among the absolute elite, his upward trajectory underscores the fine margins in assessing attacking talent at both club and international levels.
Succession planning: Ifeanyi Ndukwe arrives for the future
Liverpool have secured a deal for Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who will join the Under-21 squad in the 2026/27 season. The young player has publicly expressed admiration for Virgil van Dijk and represents part of the club’s longer-term strategy to refresh defensive options as senior players approach the latter stages of their careers.
What this means on the betting markets
Ekitike’s bench impact makes him an attractive anytime scorer pick in cup and rotation-heavy fixtures. Van Dijk’s continued dominance supports Liverpool in clean-sheet markets when he plays, while Salah remains a dependable choice in anytime-goalscorer and match-goal markets. Consider team rotation and opponent strength when sizing stakes.
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Liverpool have endured a difficult campaign, even with several high-profile names in their squad. Hugo Ekitike made an impact from the bench on Monday, finding...
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