Liverpool have completed the signing of Southampton’s prolific stacking midfielder, Sadio Mane, for a reported fee of 30 million pounds. Adding Sadio Mane to the squad has strengthened Liverpool’s attacking midfield and he will be a very vital player next season. Mane will be used more in the right wing as Liverpool already have Philippe Coutinho in the centre of the attacking midfield trio. And his pace will help him adjust to Klopp’s high pressing style of play. Jurgen Klopp has already signed Marko Grujic, Joel Matip and Loris Karius. Also, he is expected to complete the signing of Piotr Zielinski after the EURO 2016 finals. All these new signings mean that next season, a changed Liverpool will take the field. Here is the expected starting eleven for next season considering the 4-2-3-1 formation.
Goalkeeer – Loris Karius
Simon Mignolet is far too error prone and is highly inconsistent. Almost every Liverpool fan wants him to be replaced. New signing Loris Karius is a much better option than Simon Mignolet. A full pre-season under Klopp will help him adjust to his game tactics. So surely, the German will be Liverpool’s last line of defense.
Defenders
Right Back – Nathaniel Clyne
Clyne was one of Liverpool’s best players last season. He took very little time to adjust at Anfield. He was almost omnipresent in Liverpool’s squad. The same- or even better- is expected of the English right back in the coming season.
Centre Backs – Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip
Dejan Lovren had a very tough first season at Liverpool. But last season though, Lovren found his footing and was quite stable at the back. He also formed a steady partnership with Sakho. Joel Matip is coming off a very good season in the Bundesliga and is expected to make it straight into Klopp’s first eleven next season.
Left Back – Joe Gomez
Joe Gomez was Liverpool’s first choice left back at the beginning of last season. He had just started to find his rhythm when a knee injury sidelined him for the complete season. Alberto Moreno automatically became the first choice left back but he did not have a good season. Gomez had impressed in the few matches that he played for Liverpool and will be the first choice left back if the club fail to sign a new left back.
Central Midfielders – Emre Can and Piotr Zielinski
Emre can has quickly become a fan favourite at the club. His performances at the centre of the park have made a huge impression on everybody’s minds. He will surely be the first name on Klopp’s team sheet.
Reports suggest that Liverpool are set to complete a deal for the Ukrainian midfielder after the EURO 2016 finals. Joe Allen, who has been in very good form since the turn of the year, will give Zielinski stiff competition for a place in the starting eleven. But only if he stays at Liverpool, as Swansea have shown interest in him.
Attacking Midfielders
Right – Sadio Mane
Mane had a terrific season for Southampton, scoring 11 times and registering 6 assists. His signing has given Liverpool the necessary impetus for next season. He can play centrally as well as on the right wing but with Coutinho in the squad, he will be played on the right. He will add pace and creativity to Klopp’s squad.
Centre – Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian was Liverpool’s best player last season. His creativity and quick style of play wreaked havoc in opposition defenses. Coutinho can score as well as create goals, so he will surely be in Klopp’s team sheet.
Left – Roberto Firmino
The other Brazilian took some time to settle at Liverpool but has found his footing under Klopp. He scored 10 times and assisted 7 times last season and much more is expected from him next season.
Striker – Daniel Sturridge
If Sturridge is fit before the next season gets underway, he will be a real threat, considering the form he is in right now. Sturridge has had injury issues but if he remains fit throughout next season, he will be Liverpool’s biggest asset next season.
This is the expected lineup that will start the campaign for Liverpool next season. Liverpool’s 7 million pound bid for Ben Chilwell was rejected by Leicester City and the Reds will reportedly make an improved bid. If the deal goes through, he might take Gomez’s place in the starting eleven.
Source: Soccer Souls