Liverpool rotational squad options with summer signings

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool talks to his players during the extra time break during the Capital One Cup Final match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on February 28, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool talks to his players during the extra time break during the Capital One Cup Final match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on February 28, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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The players that’ll combine to form the amalgam that is a Liverpool starting lineup on any given day in 2016/17 will chop and change regularly. As will the formation. So let’s introduce a 4-3-3.

To reiterate: formations will change during games or won’t be decipherable by the 15th minute as Liverpool run chaotically to press and counter and misplace passes. A 4-3-3 isn’t far off a 4-2-3-1, just intended to ensure the wingers stay higher and there’s one more player in central midfield.

In this rendition of the three headed midfield, Lallana will operate in the role of highest above Milner and Can, though they’ll come forward as well. Lallana will have to track back but he’s been more than a willing defender since joining Liverpool so there’s no reason for him not to continue that trend in a slightly deeper role.

Mane gets to run in behind all day, Sturridge can float wherever across the opposing backline as they’ll have their eyes constantly shifting between the daunting attack. If defenses drop deep because of the pace of Mane and Sturridge, then that gives Coutinho and Lallana even more space to occupy between the lines.

If they don’t drop, then Mane, Sturridge and Coutinho will make them pay by playing off the shoulder of the final men.

Sounds a perfect plan on paper, doesn’t it?

Next: Teamsheet 4