Recent weeks have shown Liverpool’s summer recruits finally syncing with Arne Slot’s system after a rocky start.

Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Hugo Ekitike have delivered standout performances in recent weeks, fuelling hopes of UEFA Champions League qualification and cup glory for Liverpool in the second half of the 2025/26 season.​

Rocky Start to Revival

Liverpool endured a testing start to the 2025/26 campaign, with new arrivals struggling amid fixture congestion across the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and cup competitions. Early defeats to Chelsea, Manchester United, and Nottingham Forest highlighted issues with adapting Arne Slot’s high-pressing style.

By late December, inconsistency plagued the Merseyside outfit. However, a January uptick, bolstered by Jeremie Frimpong’s goals, Florian Wirtz’s creativity, Milos Kerkez’s solidity, and Hugo Ekitike’s directness signals gears shifting.​

Current standings place Liverpool fourth in the Premier League, trailing Arsenal and Manchester City, yet being alive in the FA Cup ahead of the fourth-round clash with Brighton & Hove Albion and pushing for a place in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage.

Frimpong’s rampaging right flank

Jeremie Frimpong, signed from Bayer Leverkusen for £29.5 million, replaces Trent Alexander-Arnold with explosive flair. His recent form dazzles; a thunderous left-footed goal in the FA Cup rout of Barnsley showcased dribbling prowess and finishing, doubling Liverpool’s lead at 2-0.

Averaging high speeds and recoveries in UEFA Champions League play, Frimpong’s 78% passing accuracy aids transitions and troubles defences weekly.​ Post struggles with positional discipline, the Dutchman now thrives in Arne Slot’s hybrid role, bombing forward while tracking back, and is key to Liverpool’s top-four push. Projections view him being pivotal in cup runs, his energy mirroring Bayer Leverkusen’s title heroics.​

Wirtz unlocks midfield magic

Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s marquee £116 million capture, endured fitness niggles early on but has erupted now as a key figure for Liverpool. Off the bench versus Barnsley, he curled a Kop-stunner after linking up with Hugo Ekitike, sealing 4-1 victory and spotlighting vision.

Recent weeks have seen assists and match ratings soar, with his close control dismantling presses.​ Adapting to English intensity, Wirtz’s top speed and distance covered eclipse peers, feeding Ekitike lethally. ​

Kerkez bolsters defence

Milos Kerkez, the Hungarian left-back, arrived amid summer flux but has impressed with 20+ appearances by January. Steady starts against Everton, Arsenal, and Manchester City underline his tackling and crossing ability, while a goal versus Brentford highlighted his attacking threat. He was unused against Barnsley yet he has been integral of late. ​

Kerkez’s long-term deal to 2030 pays dividends in adaptation, and his rise fortifies flanks, crucial for cup ties and UEFA Champions League play-offs avoidance. His performance against Bukayo Saka, in particular, showed why Liverpool were so keen on securing his signature. He is an elite talent who is still adapting to a new club. However, there are promising signs that he could develop into a future star for the club.

Hugo Ekitike: Premier League’s top summer coup

Hugo Ekitike stands out as Liverpool’s transformative summer signing, hailed across punditry as the Premier League’s best acquisition of 2025/26 for his seamless integration and explosive output. With eight Premier League goals from 18 appearances, he has topped the club’s charts ahead of Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah.

Meanwhile, key strikes in the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Community Shield have seen him emulate Kenny Dalglish’s rare feat of scoring in five competitions during a debut season.

Ekitike’s link-up play shines through, as he has elite creativity metrics. The Frenchman’s high-intensity sprints (25 vs Brighton & Hove Albion, a Premier League-high) and box touches enable multi-role fluidity as lone striker, second forward, or wide threat, adding a devastating dimension to Arne Slot’s attack.

Recent Wirtz-Ekitike synergy, evident in Barnsley’s 4-1 demolition where both scored, promises more, boosting Wirtz’s form and offering a bounce-back blueprint after disappointing starts. Outpacing xG and outperforming peers like Alexander Isak, Ekitike’s value epitomises bargain brilliance.

Forward Outlook

​This quartet’s clicking form has transformed Liverpool from an inconsistent team into contenders. Arne Slot’s patience has yielded dividends; Anfield faithful now sense silverware after an early drought. The Premier League title might be beyond their grasp right now, especially after a disappointing start to the season. However, the Reds are still very much alive in the cup competitions.

The Merseyside outfit will be one of the strongest contenders in both the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League. Even though Liverpool are inconsistent, they have shown that they can produce big performances in games that matter.

The Reds have beaten Arsenal and Real Madrid this season, and there is no doubt that they could be a force to be reckoned with in the knockout competitions. With their new signings finally getting into the groove, there is reason for optimism for the defending Premier League champions.