This is the thought that I was attempting to make effable: is this Liverpool’s strongest XI? If so, it’s incredibly harsh on the likes of Lallana, James Milner, Origi and Mamadou Sakho.
It’s up for debate, but this is certainly in the conversation for strongest teamsheet available to Klopp. It includes their best striker who’s competent enough to play alone up top, though he’ll certainly have a ton of help buzzing around him. It includes Firmino in the middle, allowing him to press up next to Sturridge whenever he can, it has Coutinho operating as the creative force and Mane on the opposite flank to help with goals and cure redundancy.
That was the biggest issue facing an attacking midfield trio of Coutinho, Firmino and Lallana: they all have similar strengths and weaknesses. They like to receive the ball in similar areas and make similar runs. With Mane, he’ll stretch defenses and play even further forward on the front foot.
In defense, Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren seem to be Klopp’s preferred pairing, especially with the news of Sakho being sent home from America for attitude problems. Nathaniel Clyne is the starting right back and there’s simply not a rational argument against it or why Liverpool would need to be in the transfer market for even someone to challenge the Englishman.
As said, this is just one of many options, which is fun. #Sports!
Next: Teamsheet 2