This is not an article praising Liverpool’s performance yesterday, Arne Slot’s tactics. Instead, we want to highlight how Liverpool’s so-called “aging core”—often considered past its peak—still has a few years left at the top. The Reds would be wise to secure each of them with rewarding and motivating contracts.
PSG dominated Liverpool at the Parc des Princes, registering over 27 shots, 10 on target, and generating an xG of 1.78 while restricting Liverpool to a mere 0.27. However, Liverpool left with a 1-0 victory thanks to Harvey Elliott’s late strike.
Alisson’s Brilliance vs PSG
The Brazilian shot-stopper made nine exceptional saves against a PSG side desperate to advance beyond the round of 16. According to FotMob, he prevented 2.26 goals on the night—a performance that could ultimately be the difference in the tie.
Liverpool ’s Core Needs to Stay
Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, and Mohamed Salah have all been linked with moves away from Liverpool this summer. The club has already signed Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia as a potential successor to the 32-year-old Alisson. Meanwhile, Van Dijk’s contract expires at the end of the season, and the same goes for talismanic forward Mohamed Salah.
Salah (32), Alisson (32), and Van Dijk (33) are viewed as an aging core that Liverpool needs to replace, which is why contract negotiations have stalled. However, The Reds must secure the future of these three for at least the next three years.
Alisson remains an elite goalkeeper, Van Dijk is still among the best defenders in the world, and Salah has arguably been the best player in the world this season.
Under the right management, this core could still drive Liverpool to greater success. Just as Real Madrid extended the careers of their legendary core—Modric, Kroos, Ramos, Marcelo, and Benzema—Liverpool should aim to keep their own key players as long as they continue to perform at a high level.
Clubs often assume there are younger, better options when dealing with aging legends, but that’s not always the case. Liverpool’s result against PSG proves that keeping their experienced stars for at least two more seasons is a smarter move than spending heavily on replacements. If they allow this core to leave, they may end up paying a higher price in the long run.
