Liverpool rotational squad options with summer signings
By Tom Bogert
Because Klopp has regularly deployed some variation of the 4-2-3-1 (his formations are amorphous, anyway, this is generally what he seems to like to play) we’ll stick with the formation twice in a row to kick things off before expanding our creative minds.
Sakho comes in for Lovren, because not all fancy Lovren over Sakho even if that looks what will happen. Milner enters for Henderson, both will certainly get ample playing time this season. The front four reverts to how it ended last season: Coutinho, Firmino and Lallana under Sturridge.
It worked last season, helping carry the team to a Europa League final. Lallana’s form continued to improve from the first day Klopp took over and he continued his ascension during the Euros where he was a bright spot on England’s disappointing campaign.
Because the team always relies on Sturridge for goals, the peripheral figure that’d come under pressure is Firmino because Lallana certainly can’t be relied upon for goals and Coutinho hasn’t taken that step in his own progression yet. Yet.
With no Mane, Wijnaldum, Origi or Ings, there isn’t much pace outside of Sturridge, who isn’t always going to go in behind if he’s not getting the ball. But this team presses magnificently, something that Lallana has a huge hand in.
Next: Teamsheet 3