FeatureOpta analysis: 10 eye-catching themes from Liverpool in 2023-24

On LFCTV's Season Review show, former Reds striker Neil Mellor and Opta's Michael Reid pored through the data to assess Jürgen Klopp's final term in charge.

Here's what we picked out from their analysis…

Fortress Anfield

Liverpool had the best home record in the Premier League, winning 15 of their 19 fixtures. The tally of 48 points amassed was one better than that of champions Manchester City.

Klopp's Reds scored 49 goals in front of their supporters (joint-second most) and conceded just 17 times (only Man City and Arsenal were better in the goals-against column).

Never count the Reds out

Liverpool snatched 28 points from losing positions in the Premier League this season – the fourth-highest amount in the competition's history.

They won seven league matches after falling behind, with only Girona winning more among teams in Europe's top five leagues.

The Reds also held the Premier League's best goal difference when trailing in games (+14).

The skipper leads the way

This Premier League season saw Virgil van Dijk produce the highest aerial duel success percentage since Opta began collecting the data in 2012.

Winning 140 of his 172 battles in the air, the captain led the way with a success rate of 81.4 per cent.

On the ground, meanwhile, Van Dijk was only dribbled past on two occasions in the league – the lowest total among defenders.

He also won 75.6 per cent of his duels, only behind Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa.

Salah's crucial involvement

Mohamed Salah had 38 goal involvements in his 44 appearances in all competitions, and those goals or assists often came when Liverpool were in need of them.

Twelve gave his side the lead in Premier League matches, while seven were to equalise.

Continuing to show that hugely creative side to his game, the Egyptian led the league in 2023-24 for the number of big chances created with 22.

Alexander-Arnold's effective passing

One pass from the right boot of Trent Alexander-Arnold can change a game, and certain statistics from 2023-24 back that up.

Often playing in an inverted full-back role this term, the No.66 ranked first in the Premier League for progressive passes per every 90 minutes. They are defined as 'completed open-play passes in the attacking two-thirds of the pitch that move the ball at least 25 per cent closer to the goal'.

And on 350 occasions (averaging at a league-high 14.6 per every 90) Alexander-Arnold's passes bypassed five or more opponents.

Szoboszlai's ball recoveries

Dominik Szoboszlai led Liverpool in the league for the amount of times he won possession per every 90 minutes (7.3).

And his retrieval of the ball often started an attack for the Reds.

Using Opta's measurement of shot-ending sequence starts, which is how often a player sets their team on a move that ends with an effort towards goal, Szoboszlai led the entire Premier League with 1.84 per every 90.

Gomez's dependability and versatility

As Liverpool's current longest-serving player, Joe Gomez made his highest number of appearances in a single season in 2023-24.

His total of 51 outings was eight better than his previous best, produced in 2019-20.

That title-winning campaign saw him predominantly used as a central defender, whereas it was his versatility that made him 'super-important' to Klopp's side in this campaign.

Just 10 per cent of his time in the league this season was spent in central defence, as he was mainly used a full-back on either flank. He also fared well as a midfielder.

Elliott the assister

Harvey Elliott's assists sky-rocketed in the season just gone, setting up 11 goals in all competitions. His previous best was two in 2022-23.

Six of his assists came in the Premier League as Elliott delivered the joint-third-highest number of open-play passes into the opposition penalty area per every 90 minutes. Only Kevin De Bruyne and Martin Odegaard's ratios were better.

In addition to that, his expected open-play assists per every 90 (0.28) was tied for fourth-most in the division.

Quansah slots in seamlessly

After his first season within the Liverpool senior squad, Jarell Quansah ranks first in a number of statistical categories.

Among outfield Reds who have played at least 500 minutes, the 21-year-old led the team in passes, total carries and total carry distance. He also finished runner-up in progressive carries and aerial duels.

The future is bright

Quansah and Elliott were the two of the most prominent young players to feature for Liverpool this term – but they were most certainly not the only ones.

In total, there were 193 appearances – 106 of which were starts – given to those under the age of 22. That is the most in the club's history.