It was quite an eventful summer transfer window for Liverpool. Although the club failed to sign a centre-back – something that the fans craved for – it was largely a decent window for Liverpool as they added more quality to their already established attack.
The signing of Mohamed Salah and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will add more depth to the Liverpool attack which could help them with Champions League football around the corner. Andy Robertson’s addition and Alberto Moreno’s improved performances mean James Milner can now step up and play in midfield when needed.
The young guns have impressed as well. Trent Alexander-Arnold has become a key player in the side and in Nathaniel Clyne’s absence and has made the right-back slot his own. Dominic Solanke has had good cameos even though he is yet to score. And lest we forget, Liverpool also ensured a deal which will see Naby Keita move to Anfield next summer. Oh, and by the way, they did manage to keep a certain Brazilian as well.
All in all, it’s been a decent window even though the club has failed to eradicate their weakness of getting an able partner for Joel Matip.
Liverpool are playing in the Champions League after quite a while, so Klopp’s task of squad rotation will be a tough one. It’s unlikely we’ll see a consistent playing XI, but we take look at what could potentially be Liverpool’s strongest lineup when everyone’s fit.
Formation: 4-3-3
GK: Simon Mignolet
With Karius struggling to cope, it seems unlikely that Klopp will persist with the German after a shock appearance against Arsenal. To be fair, Mignolet hasn’t done much wrong.
LB: Andy Robertson
A perfect blend of positioning and some crossing that’ll excite the fans.
CB: Dejan Lovren
Not the best the club has, but after the departure of Mamadou Sakho, Lovren is virtually guaranteed a starting berth.
CB: Joel Matip
Perhaps the best defender at the club right now. A sure-shot starter when fit.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne
A model of consistency. You rarely complain about his performance. Expect him to start when fit.
CM: Jordan Henderson
Still has a few critics, but he is the cornerstone to Klopp’s pressing model as he works tirelessly and starts attacks.
CM: Emre Can
A brilliant start to the season. His ability to win the ball in midfield and maraud forward to contribute to the attack means he has become indispensable to the team.
CM: Adam Lallana
Probably a preferred choice over Wijnaldum, who in his own right, is a pretty good midfielder. Lallana’s energy and elusiveness in the final third means he is likelier to start when fit. Besides, he adapted to the midfield role really well last season. Arguably has more to offer the team than Philippe Coutinho as well.
LM: Sadio Mane
Liverpool’s player of the year last time, and an unstoppable force in attack. It’s hard to see how Coutinho will start over him if he keeps up his form.
ST: Roberto Firmino
A lot of managers would kill to have Firmino in the team. Goalscoring, check. Passing, check. Chasing lost causes, check. A complete striker, check.
RM: Mohamed Salah
A smashing start by the Egyptian. Liverpool missed an inverted winger last time even though Mane was on fire, and his ability to cut in from the right and put in smashing crosses if played on the left (the pass for the Sturridge goal, anyone?) means Salah completes the best playing XI.