Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys has downplayed Liverpool’s Premier League title win, claiming it has not been a “vintage season” and insisting the Reds faced no real challenge.
Arne Slot is on the verge of guiding Liverpool to their 20th league title in his debut campaign, with the Reds sitting 13 points clear at the top. But instead of giving credit to the new manager, Keys questioned the quality of this season’s competition.
Speaking on beIN Sports, Keys argued that the struggles of traditional rivals like Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham show that the Premier League was below standard this year. He also pointed to the poor performance of promoted clubs, with Southampton and Leicester already relegated and Ipswich likely to follow.
“There’s been no challenge to Liverpool. None. That’s not what you call a vintage season,” Keys said. “Vintage is when you have a proper race, City and Liverpool pushing each other to the wire. We haven’t had that.”
He added, “Villa winning in midweek doesn’t mean the league is strong, it shows how good the Champions League has been. City are fifth and the league has been settled since November.”
While Keys admitted Liverpool deserved their crown, he argued it came too easily. He also claimed that signing stars like Van Dijk and Salah isn’t the same as strengthening the team, as both players are already at the club and ageing.
In a bold prediction, Keys went on to say that Liverpool won’t win anything next season.
“Liverpool have won it well, no doubt. But don’t call it a classic title. And next season, I don’t think they’ll lift another trophy,” he said.
Despite the criticism, many fans see Slot’s success as impressive, especially taking over from Jurgen Klopp and quickly restoring Liverpool to the summit of English football.
