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By DANNY MURPHY Published: 07: 31 AEST, 27 April 2025 | Updated: 08: 40 AEST, 27 April 2025 View comments Liverpool are just 90 minutes away from winning the Premier League title. Ahead of Sunday's home clash with Tottenham, from which Arne Slot's side require only one point, former Reds player and boyhood fan DANNY MURPHY reflects on a special campaign. .. With Jurgen Klopp gone, I thought there would be a hang-over, particularly without signings, and predicted Liverpool would finish third. Qualifying for the Champions League and winning a cup would have been acceptable but the smoothness of the transition under Arne Slot, both on and off the pitch, has exceeded expectations of even the most ardent fan. Slot is an articulate, warm and likeable character. When I heard him speak after Liverpool had beaten Manchester United 3-0 in September, it was clear he knew what he was doing. I don't see why this can't be the start of something really special. Less than 12 months in, Slot's got the Premier League in the bag and a platform to move forward without the pressure of 'When is he going to win something? ' He's in a strong position. Funds are available and he will have learned a lot about his squad. He can make the changes he wants if, for example, there is a player like Darwin Nunez he doesn't seem to fancy. It's safe to say that Liverpool look in capable hands for the next four or five years at least. Arne Slot's Liverpool will be Premier League champions on Sunday if they don't lose to Spurs Beating Real Madrid and Manchester City was a statement, but it was the 6-3 win at Tottenham just before Christmas that convinced me Liverpool would take some stopping. I was working pitch-side for the game, and I saw a slick, hungry, clever, dangerous team that looked full of confidence and in tune with the manager. People will say Spurs have lost a lot of games, but not like that. It was men against boys. Everyone in red knew their jobs. Liverpool went four points clear with that victory and I don't think the title outcome was in serious doubt after that. Liverpool thrashed Tottenham 6-3 in north London in a memorable game earlier this season Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk have been outstanding. Salah is an obvious choice because his goals and assists have changed games, but I'd argue Van Dijk has been even more important because of his influence over others. Ibrahima Konate and Ryan Gravenberch are just two players who have benefited hugely from having the Dutchman close. Not only is Van Dijk captain, but he is also the one player Liverpool can't replace. We saw that a few years ago when he was injured, and the team's form fell off a cliff. He has been monumental in terms of composure, ability, leadership and durability. Salah and Van Dijk's contracts have been sorted but Trent Alexander-Arnold looks to be on his way. That leaves big shoes to fill but listening to what Slot's been saying, I think Conor Bradley is going to be the main right back moving forward. Top scorer Mo Salah (left) and captain Virgil van Dijk (right) have both been brilliant this season Ryan Gravenberch has become more appreciated! As someone who also moved from an attacking to a holding midfielder, I understand the difficulty because you fight your natural instincts. Gravenberch has been brilliant because he's learned a new position at the same time as getting used to the weekly intensity of the Premier League, having been sparsely used by Klopp. His fitness and mentality have made him one of the main players. It's a compliment to him that Liverpool's recruitment team, having tried to sign Martin Zubimendi last year, won't need to spend a lot on that position ths summer. Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has also enjoyed an excellent campaign for the Reds Everybody enjoys a close battle. The duels between Manchester City and Liverpool were epic. But they don't happen every year. Liverpool have been brilliant, offensively and defensively. I don't buy into the narrative about the failings of others just because we've been deprived of an exciting title race. This is not an average team. Liverpool's level has been just as good as other Premier League champions. After last weekend's 1-0 win at Leicester, Liverpool have 79 points from their first 33 matches I was at Anfield with my Dad in 1990 to see the last title win in front of fans but for anyone under 35 it will be a new experience. It's going to be amazing. I'm sure the emotion will live with them for ever. For older fans, it will also be poignant. Whenever Liverpool win a trophy, I think back to my playing days and also standing on the Kop with my Dad, who is no longer with us. I can't see Tottenham spoiling the party.
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