Old guard is thriving

LIVERPOOL: VETERANS STILL SHINING DESPITE A CLOUD OF UNCERTAINTY

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Arne Slot can seemingly do no wrong as Liverpool manager, but uncertainty over the futures of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold is casting a shadow over a spectacular season.

Liverpool head into tonight's heavyweight Champions League clash against Real Madrid, top of the table in Europe and eight points clear in the Premier League thanks to a near-flawless start from Slot.

The Dutchman has won 16 of his 18 matches to make light of a predicted hangover after Juergen Klopp's emotional farewell at the end of last season.

Salah, 32, has spearheaded the flying start with 12 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.

Yet the Egyptian further fuelled speculation over where he will be next season after scoring twice to beat Southampton 3-2 on Sunday, saying he is "more out than in".