Via echo
The more things change, the more things stay the same is an apt saying that reflects the current climate at Liverpool
Saturday saw the Reds begin a Premier League season without Jurgen Klopp at the helm for the first time since August 2015
In terms of personnel, it was more of the same from Liverpool as Slot named all of Klopp’s stalwarts
It was on the touchline that such changesy were apparent as Sipke Hulshoff, Fabian Otte, Aaron Briggs, Ruben Peeters and John Hetinga joined the Dutchman
Liverpool, though, would have been keen for a sixth summer addition to enjoy a first sampling of Premier League football at Portman Road on Saturday afternoon
But those plans were scrapped just days before as Spain international Martin Zubimendia rejected a move to Anfield in favour of staying at Real Sociedad.
But with Ryan Gravenberch impressing as he was utilised in a defensive midfield role, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Liverpool let this month's transfer deadline pass without further attempts to recruit a new midfielder.
if Liverpool are to hold out and wait for a new number-one target in the defensive midfield position, it won't be the first time they have held their nerve in the transfer market.
Of course, it was back in June 2017 that they pursued a deal for Virgil van Dijk from Southampton as Jurgen Klopp looked to reinforce the Reds' options in the centre of midfield
a move for the Dutchman did not materialise that summer despite the defender being set on a move to Anfield, with Liverpool eventually forced to apologise and publicly cease their pursuit of Van Dijk.
It meant that Liverpool began the 2017/18 season without Van Dijk, Klopp instead made to call upon Dejan Lovren, Joe Gomez, Ragnar Klavan and Joel Matip.
Liverpool, instructed by sporting director Michael Edwards, stuck to their principles and refused to settle for a 'second choice' alternative to Van Dijk,
Now, seven years later, Liverpool find themselves in a slightly different position as unlike Zubimendi, Van Dijk didn't reject a move to Anfield
Rather Southampton looked to halt the Reds' annual raid of St Mary's - or at least delay it in Van Dijk's hcase.
But that isn't to say that lessons can't be learned from that particular saga, with Liverpool and Edwards showing that they will not panic when met with adversity in the market.
In spite of such upheaval at Anfield this summer, Liverpool find themselves in a familiar position.
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