Liverpool: Average age of starting XI in every Premier League season since 2016-17

Is the average age of Liverpool’s starting XI behind the club’s struggles this season?

The Reds have got off to their worst start to a campaign for 10 years following Sunday’s 3-2 defeat away at Arsenal.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were expected to push Manchester City all the way again this term after finishing one point behind Pep Guardiola’s formidable team last season.

However, last season’s Champions League finalists have looked a shadow of their usual selves since August and have slumped down to 10th in the Premier League table.

In eight league fixtures, Liverpool have only managed to secure two victories so far – a record-equalling 9-0 win over Bournemouth followed by a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Newcastle United.

Since beating Newcastle, Liverpool have drawn against Everton (0-0) and Brighton (3-3) and have now lost to Arsenal. Next up in the Premier League: a tough game against Man City at Anfield this weekend.

It doesn’t get any easier for Klopp, who is looking increasingly beleaguered following his side’s poor start to the season.

Read more: Jurgen Klopp interview after 3-2 loss v Arsenal concerns Liverpool fans

Sky Sports displayed a graphic on Sunday showing the average age of Liverpool’s starting line-ups in the Premier League over the past seven seasons.

Check it out:

Average age of LFC starting XI every season since 2016-17 [Sky] pic.twitter.com/lupzH0lcxl

Liverpool had the third youngest XI in 2016-17 (Klopp’s first full season as manager) followed by the youngest XI in 2017-18.

However, the Reds find themselves down in 18th position this season, with an average age of 27 years and 342 days

Arsenal, on the other hand, have the second youngest starting XI this term. Their average age is 24 years and 186 days.