A look at the best Liverpool XI when all players are fit.
The Reds have had a stuttering start to their campaign. We knew it would be hard to adapt to life after Suarez, their talisman of last season. It would have been ideal if they had a high profile forward to replace him and they got a dicey yet talented player in Mario Balotelli who has failed to score in the Premier League till now. But without injuries, Liverpool does have a strong squad. Here is a team that is the strongest that Brendan Rodgers would use.
Goalkeeper:
Mignolet
He hasn’t been in the best of form and has conceded quite a few sloppy goals. But he’s the only top keeper that Liverpool has and would be the automatic choice when the team is fit.
Defenders:
Right Back: Flanagan
The young blooded Englishman showed his talents last season in a breakthrough season and would certainly be a great player in his natural position than his adopted LB role. He could also vouch for an England berth.
Centre Back: Skrtel
The defence has been scratchy to say the least but Skrtel is among the best of the lot. The Slovakian lad is expected to be the regular starter at Center Back. Rodgers would expect more from his defenders including the big Slovakian who has been lucky last season when he was crazy in the penalty box.
Center Back: Lovren
Lovren was one of the Reds’ important purchases this season but has had a so-so start in an atrocious Liverpool defence this season. It’s all about getting the collective defensive unit in form as the players are individually talented.
Left Back: Moreno
Moreno is a brilliant talent and would walk into the team based in ability. Brendan Rodgers would now have to develop him and make him more decisive in matches. He could be a very important player in the future as he matures.
Midfielders:
Central Midfield: Gerrard
He’s the captain and he would start most games in a deepish midfield position. But there’ll be a time when hia legs would give up. He is the player whom Rodgers uses as a holding midfielder and running the play from a deep position.
Central Midfield: Emre Can
Can is young and strong. He can also play deeper than Gerrard allowing the skipper some additional offensive liberty. Plus the lad has young legs to do the dirty job. He also gives tactical stability if the manager wants to retreat Gerrard to use someone like Coutinho as the formation can be changed to a 4-2-3-1.
Central Midfield: Henderson
A box to box midfielder, he is the lungs of the team and has improved his technical aspects as well. He is very important for the team and is also the vice captain. He has developed a lot since his transfer from Sunderland as he’s getting more decisive.
Left Wing: Adam Lallana
The Englishman is a great versatile attacking player and can play wide as well as central. A creative player with flair, he’ll be a great asset in the team and would suit the left wing position where he’s played before.
Right Wing: Sterling
Sterling has been the star for Liverpool all this while and he does take your breath away with his pace and flair. He would be the player via whom Liverpool will look to channel their attacks in advanced areas.
Striker:
Sturridge
He will be the striker as he has proven himself as consistent and would become the automatic first choice.
