Liverpool vs Red Star Belgrade: Was that the ideal starting XI?

Liverpool walked to an easy 4-0 win over Red Star Belgrade yesterday but we are analyzing the starting lineup in the light of big games to come.

Liverpool’s rather painless 4-0 defeat of Red Star Belgrade at Anfield on Wednesday night has left many fans ecstatic.

Liverpool consistently moved the ball all around the pitch without much contest from the Serbian club. After a slow first 10 minutes, they stepped into gear and never let up until the game concluded.

The starting XI was quite different from what it has been for a good portion of the season. Klopp inserted Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri in midfield roles, supplementing the familiar front three and back four.

Fabinho, who has only appeared in a single Premier League game this season, made his first Champions League start for the Reds in this match. His addition to the lineup was a resounding success, as he consistently won tackles and even contributed in the attacking third of the pitch.

The Brazilian international appears to be a welcome addition to the squad and a permanent one at that.

Meanwhile, Shaqiri also played a massive role in the club’s success. He delivered a wonderful ball to Andy Robertson who in turn delivered a perfect pull back to Roberto Firmino for the opening tally.

Shaqiri’s hard work, as on that scoring play when he tracked back, always seems to be evident whenever he is on the pitch.

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The Swiss international can play a central role, similar to his position in this match, as well as fitting in perfectly on the wing. His versatility and hard-working play style allow him to be a vital component to the squad.

However, if these two important players are going to be playing consistently in the midfield, then two familiar players will be hard pressed to find much playing time. Jordan Henderson and James Milner are both important players, but they do not have the skill set of either Fabinho or Shaqiri.

Naby Keita will also be returning from an injured hamstring shortly, thus a plethora of midfield options will soon be at Klopp’s disposal.

All this being said, depth is never a harmful thing, as with a lengthy season comes many injuries. A large rotation will allow everyone to rest in order to remain healthy and fresh.

The win places Liverpool ahead of both PSG and Napoli in the Champions League group stage. This puts them in a fortuitous situation where they control their own destiny in the remainder of this stage.

While many players will be switched out to rest throughout the season, the ideal lineup should include Shaqiri and Fabinho. This may not be the case during this upcoming weekend’s match against Cardiff City, but it can be in the future.

Klopp has many options and he will choose them based upon each week’s matchup. A similar formation should certainly be considered for the most difficult of them.