22nd July 2020. A date that will undoubtedly remain etched in the memories of Liverpool supporters, as it signifies the moment when – after years of suffering and perseverance – the Reds finally secured their inaugural Premier League title.
Jurgen Klopp’s team exhibited dominance from the very beginning of the 2019/20 season, and not even a worldwide pandemic could prevent them from ultimately raising the illustrious trophy.
Since that time, much has transformed at Anfield. There is a new manager, new players, and even an additional Premier League title adorning the trophy cabinet.
However, as the adage suggests, one always remembers their first. Here is an account of what transpired with each member of Klopp’s championship-winning squad.
The position of number one has remained unchanged since Liverpool’s initial title victory, with Alisson Becker continuing to guard the goal and still being widely acknowledged as one of the premier goalkeepers globally.
His deputy during the club’s second title success was Caoimhin Kelleher, who was also a member of the 2019/20 squad as a young player – although he did not make any appearances that season.
The Irishman has recently made a transfer to Brentford in pursuit of consistent first-team action.In the 2019/20 season, it was Adrian who acted as the main backup, with the Spaniard participating in 11 Premier League matches during Alisson’s period of injury. Now nearing the end of his career, Adrian is currently playing for Real Betis. Regarding third-choice Andy Lonergan – who was signed mainly to meet home-grown player requirements – he was last seen at Wigan Athletic, after having spent three years as a backup at Everton.
In defence, let’s start with those who still proudly wear the Liver bird on their chest. Captain Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson remain mainstays of the side under Arne Slot, continuing to anchor the back line with their experience and leadership. Joe Gomez is also still at the club, though his role has become more peripheral in recent seasons.
The most high-profile departure is undoubtedly Trent Alexander-Arnold. Once seen as the heir to the captaincy, he stunned fans by leaving Merseyside for Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Speaking of free transfers, Joel Matip may have been one of the best in Premier League history. He was that strong of a partner to Van Dijk when fit, but the Cameroonian is now retired.
Dejan Lovren, on the other hand, is still going strong. The Croatian international now plies his trade at Greek side PAOK, having also played for Zenit St. Petersburg and Lyon since leaving Liverpool.
Lastly, Neco Williams – who made just six league appearances that season but enough to earn a winner’s medal – is now with Nottingham Forest and set for his first taste of European football in several years.