Recently, Liverpool have been blessed with a revival at the hands of Jürgen Klopp – Creating an exciting new opportunity for players to earn a place in the starting line-up. Many are yet to earn their chance, but for young passionate players such as Connor Randall the opportunity to impress has already been bestowed upon them.
Experimentation is expected, however a strong line-up appears to have emerged in the short time Klopp has held the reins, bringing impressive wins over the likes of City and Chelsea. The fans are starting to rally behind the side, and hopes are high ahead of the upcoming winter run, but who makes it into the strongest Liverpool line-up and why?
GK Simon Mignolet
Despite some poor and frankly embarrassing performances from the shot stopper, he still remains the safest option between the sticks. The rumors surrounding Klopp’s desire to replace him says it all, and Adam Bogdan isn’t exactly Manuel Neuer either.
RB Nathaniel Clyne
The abundance of pace and intensity Clyne brings to the side going forward makes him the obvious choice at right-back. His impressive eye, most recently providing an assisting cross to Benteke, creates chances and his ability to track back prevents too much damaging exposure. His competition in the position, Connor Randall, doesn’t look sharp enough to challenge for a place in bigger games.
CB Mamadou Sakho
While he unfortunately picked up an injury against Palace, Sakho remains the strongest defender at Liverpool. He brings strength to the back four, and his recent performances displayed his aptitude to defend. While occasionally known to slip up, his ability to stay concentrated makes him more than reliable and his prowess in the air makes him an asset essential in both boxes.
CB Martin Skrtel
Despite his age, Skrtel remains a tough and confident player. He shows no hesitation when committing to crucial tackles and he is never one to shy away from a physical battle. His sensational volley in the 4-1 win over City perfectly displays his risk taking mentality, which pays off more than it should. Dejen Lovren looks to be a future starting center back, however he is currently far to accident prone.
LB Alberto Moreno
Another pacey full back who provides variety to the Liverpool counter attack. His pace allows him to break away from defenders, create chances, and grab some beautiful goals; His first goal against Spurs last season was a sensational example of speed, bursting down the left wing and firing into the bottom corner after leaving the opposing defenders dead on their feet. He is however prone to being caught out of position, and with the return of Flanagan he could find himself under pressure to improve defensively.
DM Lucas Leiva
The most ‘defensive minded’ midfielder at Klopp’s disposal, Lucas has been the thorn in the side of our opposition this season. Since the loss of Gerrard, Lucas has been the go-to player when tackled with challenging games. He provides cover for the back four and with his passing abilities he can keep play flowing. He hasn’t scored in over five years, so he is relied on purely for his impact at the back. I think that Lucas has been an integral piece in Klopp’s puzzle this season, and for that reason I have chosen him over players such as James Milner.
DM Jordan Henderson
The new captain hasn’t featured too much recently due to injury, but his talent is hard to doubt. Scoring some amazing goals (such as the ranged shot against City last season) and putting in passionate performances in all areas of the pitch, Henderson rightfully earned the captains armband. He inspires those playing alongside him and his work ethic is phenomenal.
He inspires those playing alongside him and his work ethic is phenomenal
Both Henderson and James Milner can run themselves into the ground, and neither is willing to give up, however Henderson’s youth and impact in the changing room makes him a stronger character to have in the line-up.
AM Philippe Coutinho
The true superstar of the side, Coutinho has repeatedly saved the day with one of his many breathtaking goals. The Brazilian magician delivers impressive skills and has a sublime touch, allowing him to be a prolific provider of assists as well as an avid goalscorer. Keeping a player like Coutinho should be the number one priority for Klopp on his road to success.
AM Adam Lallana
The likes of Roberto Firmino and Jordan Ibe just haven’t proved themselves yet. Firmino looked world class in the win against City, but he fell back to his lackluster self in the Europa League match against Bordeaux. Jordan Ibe is a great talent, he just sadly lacks that goal-scoring threat. Lallana has really upped his game since Klopp’s arrival, and that is made evident by his recent performances. His passing has improved and his creative eye seems to have sharpened. Adam Lallana is, in my eyes, one of the best performing attacking midfielders in the team under Klopp so far.
ST Christian Benteke
Benteke has been a godsend this season. His amazing performance against Bordeaux shows his ability to push the side forward, and his goals have been nothing short of outstanding. His strength, prowess in the air, and sheer desire to score make him a deadly threat in front of goal. He has adapted quick, and never fails to drop back and help retain possession when needed. Unlike Balotelli, he can even defend on corners!
ST Daniel Sturridge
When he plays, he plays well. The way he can come back from one of his numerous injuries and just, almost effortlessly, find the goal has me in awe. Liverpool have adapted to life without Sturridge, given his time on the bench, however his ferocious attacking play makes him a strong player who deserves to start when fit.
That is my opinion on the strongest line-up available at the moment. Who do you think should be in the strongest Liverpool XI?