Liverpool surprised everyone as they reached the Champions League final last season, however, they faltered on the final hurdle as Loris Karius had some brain fade moments. There had been some glaring holes in some positions of the Reds team but Jurgen Klopp has gone in the transfer market and solved that.
Last season, the Reds were shouting for a top class centre-back to be signed which they got in Virgil Van Dijk in January. Signing a goalkeeper after the Champions League final mishap was a no-brainer and Liverpool went on to pay a record fee to acquire Alisson Becker from AS Roma. Apart from that, they have also secured the likes of Fabinho, Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri and many are now considering the Merseyside club as top contenders to challenge Manchester City for the title.
Liverpool can definitely do so given the performances they showed last season. All they need to do is now continue that on a consistent basis and cut down on silly errors which have cost them dearly over the years. Maybe next season will finally be the one for them as the team looks all set to challenge for big trophies. If the core of the team stays fit with all the new signings available for most of the season, then one can finally see a silverware coming to the Merseyside club.
Here is how the Reds are likely to lineup come the new season.
Defence
An absolute no-brainer of a decision as Alisson will be the first choice goalkeeper at the club. Karius is likely to be number 2 but there is still a possibility that he could be sold in the summer.
In the centre back role, Klopp is likely to go with Dejan Lovren and Van Dijk. The Croatian has come a long way since that horrendous performance against Tottenham Hotspur last season as he led his country and club to two major finals.
In the fullback role, Andrew Roberston and Trent Alexader Arnold will be the preferred choices. Both the youngsters have come leaps and bounds and started last season as the second choice in their respective positions. They are likely to be the regular starters in the upcoming season.
Midfield
One of the areas where Klopp will have some decisions to make except two spots, which seems pretty much taken by the new arrivals. Fabinho is likely to start in the no.6 role. Ever since the departure of Javier Mascherano, the Reds faithful have been crying out to sign a strong defensive midfielder and they have finally found their man in Fabinho.
Keita is likely to partner Henderson in midfield and the dynamic Guinean midfielder will be the one to watch out for in the upcoming season given the talent and pedigree he has got. Some might question Henderson’s position in the starting eleven over James Milner and Gini Wijnaldum but the Englishman has been instrumental for both his club and country last season.
Forward
Expect the attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino to start off, right from where they left off last season. Salah and Mane will play down the wings and Firmino will reprise his usual false 9 role.
