Even a remarkable 97-point season could not end Liverpool's long wait for a league title last time out but that means there should be no shortage of hunger at Anfield when the new campaign gets under way.
While the Reds have had a quiet summer in the transfer market, they look well placed to be Manchester City's main challengers this term, particularly if the two sides' thrilling Community Shield meeting is anything to go by.
In lieu of major signings, Jurgen Klopp has welcomed back Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from a long-term injury, and the midfielder looks ready to make the sort of contributions that characterised the final months of his debut season at Anfield.
There are also high hopes for fit-again striking prospect Rhian Brewster, who will be given plenty of opportunities to impress following the summer departure of fellow forward Daniel Sturridge.
Perhaps the biggest question mark over Liverpool this season is whether these 'new signings' will help them progress further in both domestic cups.
Alisson
Since joining Liverpool from AS Roma last summer, Alisson has underlined his quality by picking up Golden Glove awards in the Premier League, Champions League and Copa America. The Brazilian will compete with new signing Adrian rather than Simon Mignolet this term following the latter's return to Belgium, but there is no doubting his status as Klopp's first choice between the sticks.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Reached another level during the Reds' dual Premier League and Champions League challenge last season and, at the age of 20, can reasonably be expected to continue improving this term. Hasn't enjoyed the best of pre-seasons but remains the number one pick at right-back, particularly with Joe Gomez likely to feature more regularly at centre-half.
Joe Gomez
Looked set to start the new campaign on the bench during a pre-season that saw Joel Matip regularly paired with Virgil van Dijk, but was tellingly restored to the starting XI for Sunday's meeting with Manchester City. Was in fine form before injury struck halfway through last season and will be hard to dislodge if he can stay fit this time around.
Virgil van Dijk
No longer the world's most expensive defender but still arguably its best, Van Dijk has been key to Liverpool's transformation from also-rans to European champions under Klopp. Should start almost every game this season fitness permitting, starting with Friday's visit of Norwich to Anfield.
Andy Robertson
Another player whose name is guaranteed to be on the teamsheet when he is available this term. Liverpool are still searching for reinforcements in Robertson's position following Alberto Moreno's move to Spain but, should someone arrive, they will do so only to play back-up to the reliable Scot.
Fabinho
Endured a slow start to his Liverpool career after joining from Monaco last summer but grew into one of the team's key men as the campaign progressed toward Champions League glory. His status as the Reds' best holding midfielder makes him a dead cert for the biggest games, while his stature will make him difficult to leave out against the more direct sides, too.
Jordan Henderson
Still has his doubters despite joining the likes of Graeme Souness and Steven Gerrard as a European Cup-winning captain at Liverpool last season, but won't care if the manager continues to view him as a vital component of his team. Enjoyed a return to his more natural No.8 position toward the back end of last season but will find more competition for that role this time around with Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita both fit.
Georginio Wijnaldum
The fitness of Oxlade-Chamberlain and Keita could also present an issue for Wijnaldum, whose grip on his starting place looks precarious going into the new campaign. James Milner's recent calf issue and the fact that others aren't at 100% yet could see the versatile Dutchman start against Norwich on Friday, but he is likely to face a huge challenge to his position in the coming weeks.
Mohamed Salah
Looks like he has never been away despite only taking part in a week-long pre-season as a result of his involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations. Managed to pick up a second Premier League Golden Boot despite being a marked man last term, and could even get a little more freedom this year after being matched in the goalscoring stakes by Sadio Mane in 2018-19. If that happens, he will get near to the 44-goal haul of his debut campaign.
Divock Origi
Earned legendary status with his contributions to Liverpool's sixth European Cup win but will hope to play a bigger role this season after signing a new contract over the summer. That will likely start with the Belgian standing in for Sadio Mane, who only returned to training on Monday after a long summer representing Senegal.
Roberto Firmino
The Brazilian is one of the main reasons the two wingers either side him are able to score so many goals, and his importance to Klopp's system hasn't diminished over the summer. Returned from his summer break in good shape and looked ready to spearhead another assault on the Premier League as he tormented the Manchester City defence on Sunday.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Salah, Origi, Firmino.
