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“Our fans deserve it and we will fight like hell,” was Mohamed Salah’s promise to Liverpool supporters in May 2024, after the Reds finished third in the Premier League.

Less than a year later, Liverpool, inspired by Salah’s remarkable 29 league goals and 18 assists, secured the Premier League title with four matches to spare.

“We know that trophies are what count and we will do everything possible to make that happen next season,” Salah had declared—and he delivered on that vow with what was arguably his finest campaign in a Liverpool shirt, a remarkable feat considering he had scored 44 goals in all competitions during his debut season.

Salah’s influence on Liverpool was that of a true great. His contribution went far beyond his goals and assists. His professionalism, determination, and leadership both on and off the field set the tone for the entire squad. He didn’t just maintain standards—he elevated them, motivating teammates, inspiring young players, and pushing the team to greater heights.

“Your mentality is second to none and a lot of people could take note,” wrote Andy Robertson in a heartfelt tribute to his teammate of nine years. “You have pushed yourself every single day and always demanded more from yourself and others.”

Robertson’s words invite reflection—perhaps his remark, “a lot of people could take note,” was not just admiration but also a subtle message to others within the club who might lack Salah’s relentless drive and commitment.

Despite Salah’s extraordinary record of goals, assists, and trophies, many still believe he remains underappreciated, particularly outside the Liverpool fan base.

The Scottish defender is almost certain to leave alongside Salah this summer, ending a nine-year partnership that has defined Liverpool’s modern era. They will not be the only influential figures to depart Anfield in the coming months.

Joe Gomez, the club’s current longest-serving player, is expected to be allowed to leave with just one year remaining on his contract. Curtis Jones, the only senior local player left in the squad, is also likely to depart after contract negotiations collapsed. Talks with Ibrahima Konaté have also reportedly stalled.

By the following summer, both Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker—two players widely credited with transforming Liverpool into title contenders—will see their contracts expire.

This could leave, from the 2025 title-winning side, only five senior players at Anfield two years later: Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Conor Bradley. Even Mac Allister’s long-term future remains uncertain, meaning Liverpool could be down to just four members of that championship team by the summer of 2027.

Such turnover presents not only a squad depth issue but also a significant vacuum in leadership and identity. This is more than a rebuild—it represents a near-total reset of the club’s dressing-room culture.

For years, Liverpool maintained a formal ‘leadership group’ that included figures such as Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Adam Lallana, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Salah, Robertson, and Alisson. However, manager Arne Slot is said to have moved away from that structure last year.

This raises an important question: who will now emerge as the next leaders at Liverpool? Who will set the daily standards and embody the club’s values?

Dominik Szoboszlai has enjoyed a promising season, yet he remains some way off the calibre of leaders like Salah, Van Dijk, or Alisson. His recent social media posts following defeats have even drawn criticism from fans, who saw them as ill-timed and lacking awareness.

By contrast, the likes of Salah, Van Dijk, Alisson, and Robertson have always seemed deeply connected to the supporters, fully understanding the pride and responsibility that comes with wearing the Liverpool badge. For them, Liverpool was not a stepping stone to another club—it was the destination itself.

These players embodied leadership, heritage, and a deep appreciation for the city and its people. They simply ‘got it’—and the fans recognised and cherished that connection.

As Liverpool look toward the future, the challenge will be to find new leaders of similar stature—players who not only possess talent but also share the same passion and commitment to “push the train” forward. Unearthing such figures this time may prove far more difficult than it did back in 2018.