Reds Trio Up for Monthly Awards

01/02/2025 04:29 PM

Liverpool's strong December means three Reds are on the shortlist for Player and Coach of the Month.

Liverpool closed out 2024 by riding through their most difficult and congested set of fixtures in much the same way they carried out the first two months of the season: with composed and important wins, culminating in a landing spot atop the Premier League table, six points clear of Arsenal with a match in hand.

The Reds used this period to cement their names as true title challengers - indeed, the pace setters at the moment - and dispelled the overblown sense that their early success was a mirage built upon "weak" opponents. The latter point being completely shattered by the presence of Nottingham Forest just a point behind Arsenal at third.

Liverpool, then, are top of the league and having done so while implementing new ideas in the inaugural season of the Arne Slot Era. It is a feat that no Red, regardless of how rose-tinted their glasses may be, could have predicted.

Rightfully, three Reds have been shortlisted for the monthly honors bestowed by the League. Arne Slot is up for Coach of the Month and both Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are up for Player of the Month.

It's easy to see why each of these folks would have made the lists; what's slightly harder to understand is the way certain folks - Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo, for starters - might have missed out on honors. The latter, in particular, has been in terrific goal-scoring form and, arguably, the best he's every been in a red shirt. Gravenberch, meanwhile, continued his run of form that has him as an early contender for Liverpool's player of the season, including a turn in the backline following Andy Robertson's sending off against Fulham.

All told, it's been an incredibly fruitful period for the Reds which, coupled with the stumbles of both Arsenal and Chelsea, has all conspired to ensure that Liverpool's grip on the top spot is as strong as can be this early in the year. Now, with the calendar turning over into the new year, we can focus on the business-end of the season.

Buckle in, Reds. It looks like we're in for a terrific ride!