Despite having a largely frustrating 2018, Liverpool were also rather successful in addressing some of the issues at the club.

The Reds managed to get themselves to the Champions League final, where Loris Karius infamously had a mare and conceded two goals he should not have.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were also one of the teams to beat in the Premier League last season, although they saw their form drop towards the end of the campaign, possibly with the effects of European football.

Liverpool have had a mixed start to the 2018/19 campaign, with their European form coming in for questioning, although they are managing to keep pace with champions Manchester City at the summit.

Two of their stars would easily have been considered the club’s best throughout 2018 for their performances and, if they are to have a similar impact in 2019, next year could be a great year for the Anfield outfit.

Virgil van Dijk

One of Liverpool’s main concerns last season was in defence and the number of goals they had been conceding.

However, the arrival of Virgil van Dijk for a world record fee of £75million from Southampton in January appears to have eased those issues.

The centre-back’s performances have made the deal look like money well spent and has been a dominating force at the back and his displays this season have been just as good, if not better than they were when he joined.

Liverpool have conceded just six times in the Premier League this season, which is currently the fewest in the top-flight and the Dutchman and his leadership can certainly be attributed to that.

Mohamed Salah

Although he has not quite hit the same form just yet, Mohamed Salah was obviously one of Liverpool’s best players in the whole of 2018.

The Egypt international arrived from AS Roma in the summer of 2017 and lit up Anfield and the Premier League in his first season back in England.

Salah netted 44 goals in all competitions last season and was instrumental in taking Klopp’s side to the Champions League final.

As mentioned, Salah has not quite hit the same form just yet, however, he is still as dangerous as ever and with him forming part of the deadly trio with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, he will only start to reach the top levels once again.

Should Salah and Van Dijk continue to perform at the level they set in 2018, 2019 could be a really successful year for Liverpool.

Liverpool fans – thoughts?