Predicting Liverpool’s Starting Eleven At Stoke
By Omar Shahin
Given the raft of new signings at Anfield, the Reds’ starting eleven will be drastically changed from last season. With more signings expected, the starting eleven against Stoke in the first game of the season could be anybody’s guess.
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GK: Simon Mignolet
Along with the full-back positions, this is the only easy guess. Barring an injury, it’s difficult to see Adam Bogdan taking Simon Mignolet’s place next season. This isn’t necessarily a good thing, Liverpool’s top four rivals all have two good keepers to choose from. And considering Mignolet was one of the worst keepers in the league at the start of last season, it’s a big risk to not have any real competition for him.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne
This is another easy guess. With Jon Flanagan still out, Javier Manquillo not getting a start in the league since 2014, and Glen Johnson set to leave in July, potential new signing Clyne has virtually no competition in the right back position. Again, a lack of competition is not a good thing. Though at least Brendan Rodgers has managed to fix what has been a problem position since Glen Johnson form has continued to drop over the past four seasons.
RCB: Dejan Lovren
A controversial choice. Dejan Lovren had a shocking season last campaign and probably doesn’t deserve a start here. But Rodgers really needs to start getting the best out of his £20m centre back. That means playing him regularly, and in a set partnership. Defensively, Rodgers biggest issue is that he keeps chopping and changing his centre back partnership, and as a result the defence has been incredibly unsettled throughout his tenure. Sticking with Lovren, in a settled defence could bring out the best in the Croatian, and show us why the club splashed so much on him.
LCB: Mamadou Sakho
Martin Skrtel may be more experienced but Sakho is certainly more talented. The fan favourite was a huge reason why Liverpool had a great run of games at the start of 2015, and the subsequent defensive implosion following his injury is proof of that. With a back four, Liverpool looked at their most solid in the 3-0 win at White Hart Lane last season, with the Sakho and Lovren partnership showing promising signs. Given the two speak fluent French too, there is definitely potential for a solid partnership to blossom here.
LB: Alberto Moreno
Another easy pick, Moreno has absolutely no competition for his left back position. Jose Enrique is on his way out, and if Liverpool don’t bring someone new in, it looks like Moreno will be the only recognized left back in the entire squad. The Spaniard must improve defensively on last season. But given that he is just 22 years old, he should progress pretty quickly.
CDM: Lucas Leiva
Following the 6-1 thrashing at the Britannia last season, Rodgers will be desperate to avoid a repeat. Lucas is the only defensive midfielder the club has, and will surely be played in order to protect the defence, and control the midfield. Emre Can will most likely occupy the defensive midfield position throughout the season, but at tough away games like Stoke, Lucas should be called upon.
CM: James Milner
A first start for Milner will see him play in front of Lucas in a midfield three. His high-energy game will help out the Brazilian in his defensive duties and will help going forward too. It will be interesting to see how Milner adapts to a new manager and system. He should slot in immediately given he hasn’t had to move country or even house.
CM: Jordan Henderson (c)
New captain Jordan Henderson will sit alongside newboy Milner. Both have such high energy games that Rodgers will no doubt start these two in the vast majority of games next season, as they suit his pressing style to perfection. Expect Henderson to put in his usual box-to-box performance, but with Lucas and Milner alongside him, he could be given the freedom to push forward a little more.
LF: Phillipe Coutinho
It’s likely that Rodgers will allow Coutinho free-roam in a fluid attacking system, so though he may be labelled as a left forward on the team sheet, it’s unlikely that that is where he will stay all game. Coutinho will continue to develop next season with the additional help from the new signings. One of the few players whose place in the team is unquestioned.
RF: Roberto Firmino
Liverpool’s exciting new signing will slot in right next to their golden boy. Firmino and Coutinho have experience playing with each other in the Brazilian National Team and so the two should waste no time in wreaking havoc on the Stoke defense. Like Coutinho, it is likely that Firmino will be given a free role, so look for him and Coutinho to switch often.
ST: Alexandre Lacazette
Maybe some wishful thinking from a Lacazette admirer perhaps, but despite his recent claims there’s a sense that Liverpool could still land the Frenchman. With quick, decisive action, and a big contract, Lacazette could be persuaded to buy into the Liverpool project and help take the club to the Champions League. The promise of playing in what promises to be one of the most young and exciting attacking units in Europe, could also be a lure.