Team Liquid ID’s journey in MPL ID Season 17 has arguably become one of the most compelling storylines of the opening week. Before the league has begun, not many have truly placed high expectations on this roster. In fact, most predictions have positioned them as a mid-tier team that would still need time to develop. However, the reality on stage has told a completely different story.

The strength of Team Liquid ID has started to become evident from their very first match. Without hesitation, TLID has immediately shown that they are far from being just a complementary team. Their disciplined gameplay, clean coordination, and polished execution have served as early indicators that this squad has prepared with serious intent. This has become a crucial foundation in shaping their in-game identity.

Two victories in the first week have served as clear validation. A 2-1 win over NaVi and a convincing 2-0 sweep against EVOS have not been results to be taken lightly. From these matches, the strength of Team Liquid ID has consistently evolved from game to game. They have not only secured wins, but have also demonstrated a progressively solidified playstyle.

Interestingly, the strength of Team Liquid ID has not come from a star-studded roster. Compared to other teams, their lineup has featured relatively limited experience at the highest level. Only Aran has remained as the sole veteran, while the rest have been young players still in the proving phase. Yet, this has become the very uniqueness of the team.

Aran, as both captain and EXP laner, has become the central figure holding the team together. He has been supported by Kyou in the gold lane, Kevin—formerly known as Jo—as the jungler, and two debutants: Lyoni as the roamer and Drichel in the mid lane. Initially doubted, this composition has now begun to show significant potential.

Based on their Week 1 performance, it has become difficult to deny that the strength of Team Liquid ID has exceeded expectations. They have not just been a typical underdog, but have started to grow into a legitimate threat to top-tier teams. So, what exactly have been the key sources behind this surprising performance?

3 Strengths of Team Liquid ID in MPL ID S17

1. Aran’s Leadership

The first and most fundamental strength of Team Liquid ID has been Aran’s leadership. As the only veteran in the roster, Aran has played a crucial role in maintaining team stability. This has not only been evident in communication but also in decision-making during critical moments.

Aran has proven that experience remains irreplaceable. In high-pressure situations, he has maintained composure and ensured that executions have aligned with the team’s plan. This has been especially vital for younger players who have still been finding their rhythm on the MPL stage.

Beyond leadership, Aran has also remained individually impressive. As an EXP laner, he has consistently won his lane, applied pressure, and stayed impactful in team fights. This has shown that the strength of Team Liquid ID has not solely relied on system play, but also on preserved individual quality.

His leadership has also been reflected in how he has nurtured his teammates. Rather than dominating, he has created space for younger players to grow. This has fostered a healthy team ecosystem where each player has been able to contribute optimally.

With a combination of experience, mechanics, and leadership, Aran has become the backbone of the strength of Team Liquid ID. Without his presence, it would have been difficult to imagine the team performing at this level of cohesion.

2. Being Underrated as a Weapon

Another key strength of Team Liquid ID has come from the negative stigma surrounding them before the season. Being underestimated has unexpectedly worked in their favor. They have played without pressure and without overwhelming expectations, giving them freedom to experiment.

While other teams have been burdened with high targets, TLID has played with flexibility. They have not hesitated to take risks, explore new strategies, and adapt quickly. This has been a rare advantage compared to teams carrying heavy expectations.

This has aligned with analyst Facehugger’s statement that TLID has been one of the few teams capable of fully translating scrim performance onto the MPL stage. Many teams have looked strong in practice but have faltered in official matches. TLID, however, has done the opposite.

The strength of Team Liquid ID in this aspect has been clearly reflected in their matches against NaVi and EVOS. They have not played reactively but have instead controlled the tempo proactively. This has demonstrated a high level of confidence despite their underdog status.

Ultimately, being underestimated has no longer been a weakness but has transformed into a core strength. TLID has effectively used this narrative as fuel to perform with greater aggression and confidence.

3. Lyoni – The Best Wonderkid?

The third strength of Team Liquid ID has been Lyoni. As a debutant roamer, his presence has immediately made a significant impact on the team’s gameplay. From the very beginning, his potential has been evident.

Previously, Lyoni has shown promise during his loan spell with Monster Vicious. There, he has demonstrated strong game understanding, particularly in rotations and initiations. This has now been fully translated onto the MPL stage.

What has set Lyoni apart has been his approach to the META. He has not merely followed trends but has introduced fresh variations, both in hero pool and itemization. This has added an unpredictable dimension to the strength of Team Liquid ID.

As a roamer, Lyoni has also displayed sharp instincts in reading the game. He has understood when to open the map, initiate fights, or play defensively. This has significantly improved overall team coordination.

If this level of performance continues, Lyoni could very well become one of the top roamers this season. The “wonderkid” label has seemed fully justified, as his contribution has become a crucial part of the strength of Team Liquid ID.

Looking at their overall Week 1 performance, it has become clear that the strength of Team Liquid ID has not been a coincidence. They have built a solid structure, strong mentality, and a roster capable of rapid growth. This combination has made TLID one of the most exciting teams to watch in MPL ID S17.

If this trend continues, TLID could evolve into a true dark horse capable of challenging the dominance of top teams. More importantly, they have successfully erased the stigma of being underestimated, replacing it with a new identity as a serious contender.

TLID: A True Dark Horse

The strength of Team Liquid ID has become increasingly undeniable when analyzing their first-week run in MPL ID S17. Their previous status as an overlooked team has gradually shifted into that of a genuine threat to the league’s elite. The “dark horse” label has no longer been a narrative—it has become a reflection of their actual performance.

Their 2-1 victory over NaVi has marked the beginning of that statement. In that series, TLID has demonstrated exceptional adaptability. After falling behind, they have bounced back through rapid and effective strategic adjustments. This has highlighted their tactical flexibility.

Their dominant 2-0 win against EVOS has further solidified their position. In that match, the strength of Team Liquid ID has been evident in their ability to control the game from early to late phases, leaving minimal room for opponents to respond.

What has made the strength of Team Liquid ID even more dangerous has been their consistency in executing game plans. Unlike typical underdogs who rely on momentum, TLID has shown structured gameplay with clean rotations and minimal errors.

Mentally, they have also stood out. Free from overwhelming expectations, TLID has played with confidence and decisiveness. This has allowed them to take crucial risks that often determine outcomes at the highest level.

Their growing team chemistry has also played a vital role. Despite being relatively new to MPL, their synergy has been evident through fluid communication and increasingly sharp execution.

If this upward trajectory continues, TLID could become more than just a dark horse—they could emerge as a legitimate title contender. With Aran’s leadership, Lyoni’s creativity, and the rapid development of their young core, the strength of Team Liquid ID has all the ingredients needed for top-level competition.

In the end, TLID has proven that being an underdog does not equate to weakness. Instead, they have used that position to build a strong and effective identity. The strength of Team Liquid ID has become a symbol that preparation, execution, and confidence can overcome any expectation.