Six Liverpool Stars Fighting for Their Futures This Pre-Season

The upcoming Premier League season is approaching rapidly with less than four weeks remaining, and title holders Liverpool are currently engaged in their pre-season training regime.

The Merseyside club have already participated in two summer fixtures, beginning with a 3–1 triumph against Preston North End that served as a memorial to Diogo Jota after his untimely passing. This was followed by a commanding 5–0 victory over Championship side Stoke City in a private match.

Liverpool have now embarked on their Asian tour for the next phase of their pre-season schedule, preparing for encounters against Milan and Yokohama F. Marinos. Two consecutive fixtures against Athletic Club are scheduled at Anfield on August 4, before the team heads to Wembley Stadium for the Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace six days thereafter.

The Reds have been actively strengthening their roster through transfer activities alongside training sessions and exhibition matches this summer, with Arne Slot determined to enhance his championship-winning squad. However, the arrival of new signings means certain players in red must demonstrate their worth during pre-season.

Below are six individuals who will be anxious to impress Slot before the 2025–26 season begins.

Andy Robertson

Andy Robertson was among the few Liverpool players who struggled to maintain their performance levels during last season's successful Premier League title defense. The Scottish defender's regression was evident and has prompted the club to seek a new left-back in the transfer market. Milos Kerkez has joined from Bournemouth for £40 million ($54.1 million) with the intention of replacing the 31-year-old.

It seems probable that Liverpool will quickly integrate their new Hungarian acquisition given Robertson's underwhelming 2024–25 performances, though the former Hull City player won't surrender his position easily. He has already pledged to compete for his spot in Slot's first eleven.

Pre-season will be vital for Slot's choice regarding which left-back begins the new campaign, with Robertson having the chance to reestablish himself as Liverpool's primary option. Robertson requires a string of impressive showings before the new Premier League season kicks off on August 15.

Wataru Endo

After establishing himself as an unexpected success under Jürgen Klopp in 2023–24, Slot's inaugural campaign proved disappointing for Wataru Endo. The Japanese midfielder began only one Premier League fixture during the title run and appeared in merely 32 matches across all competitions.

The holding midfielder was deployed as a substitute brought on to disrupt play and stop opposing attacks in the latter stages of games. While effective in this capacity, he will be keen to secure more regular starting opportunities next season.

Whether the 32-year-old has sufficient time to genuinely impress Slot is uncertain, but some standout pre-season displays could enhance his status. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister were overused last campaign and could benefit from additional support going forward.

Harvey Elliott

Harvey Elliott has been faultless in Liverpool colors. The creative midfielder has served as an extremely valuable squad member for the Reds in recent seasons, developing into a dependable component of one of the globe's finest teams.

Nevertheless, Slot utilized the 22-year-old infrequently during his first season in charge, and Elliott will understandably feel disappointed with his limited chances. The Dutch manager couldn't risk altering a successful system throughout the campaign, and Elliott paid the price, ending with only 28 appearances across all competitions.

Elliott has been forthright about his future and how he might need to depart Merseyside for his career progression, but he has already made an impact on Slot this summer. As Player of the Tournament at the U21 European Championship with England, Elliott excelled during the tournament while helping secure the title.

Should Elliott maintain such outstanding form during pre-season, he could well remind Slot of his tremendous ability and promise. While Florian Wirtz's signing pushes him lower in the hierarchy, opportunities still exist for the adaptable Englishman to succeed at Anfield.

Dominik Szoboszlai

Another Liverpool player affected by Wirtz's signing is Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian international was outstanding for the Reds last season in an attacking midfield position, combining exceptional technical ability with tireless effort. He recorded 16 goal contributions across all competitions and was among Slot's preferred players.

Wirtz's transfer will certainly impact Szoboszlai's playing time this upcoming season since the £116 million ($156.8 million) German is expected to be a guaranteed starter and favors the No.10 position. Although capable of playing on the left wing, the former Bayer Leverkusen star will probably be deployed in his optimal role.

Szoboszlai must not only reestablish himself during pre-season but also demonstrate his versatility. The 24-year-old has occasionally been used in a deeper position by Slot, while he has sometimes featured in advanced wide roles throughout his career or even as a false nine. Such adaptability could be crucial to his Liverpool prospects.

Ben Doak

Ben Doak has consistently been regarded as a future star. Since joining from Celtic in 2022, the pacey winger has excelled in Liverpool's academy teams and has even made ten first-team appearances. He has regularly displayed flashes of his enormous potential when representing the senior squad, with his courage in possession being particularly noteworthy.

Doak flourished during his loan spell at Middlesbrough last season, contributing three goals and seven assists, while he has also impressed for Scotland in six international caps. He possesses a bright future at elite level, though recent speculation suggests his development might occur elsewhere than Anfield.

Liverpool have been rumored to be considering selling the 19-year-old as they seek to recover funds following a summer of significant expenditure. If Doak wishes to continue his journey with the Reds, a series of outstanding pre-season displays against quality opposition is required to persuade Slot.

Darwin Núñez

Darwin Núñez's departure from Liverpool has appeared certain throughout the summer and it remains probable that the Uruguayan will leave Anfield before the transfer window closes. However, he has certainly given Slot something to consider during the Reds' opening two pre-season matches.

Núñez found the net in the win over Preston and continued with a 14-minute treble against Stoke in the subsequent fixture. While admittedly facing only Championship opposition, the 26-year-old's displays will have caught attention.

Hugo Ekitiké's £79 million ($106.8 million) signing is expected to move Núñez nearer to departure, but a move away from Liverpool is not imminent. The unpredictable striker still has opportunities to maintain his scoring streak and at least present Slot with a pleasant selection headache before the new season.