How will the German serve his dish?
Trending
Despite the departure of nine players, Liverpool have incredible depth in all areas of the pitch. The team has at least two or three players in all areas of the pitch and the personnel for each position can be seen from the formation image used below.
Liverpool currently have the manpower to field three different starting lineups at the same time after excluding some big names like Christian Benteke, Mario Balotelli and Luis Alberto.
Between the sticks, there is a healthy competition between Karius and Mignolet. The former has announced that Klopp asked him to opt out of Olympic participation so that he can attend the entire preseason and be available for selection for the opener against Arsenal at the Emirates.
The one player who has nailed down his spot in the Liverpool squad is Nathaniel Clyne. Unless Jon Flanagan or Joe Gomez does something spectacular, Clyne will continue to be one of the first names on the team sheet. In the heart of the defence, Lovren and Matip are likely to be the starting pair due to Sakho's injury. Although, one should keep an eye out for a seasoned campaigner who could join the ranks.
If anyone has a point to prove during this preseason, it is Alberto Moreno. The Spaniard was guilty of some glaring mistakes last season including some in the Europa League final. It looks like Klopp still has faith in him but he has his work cut out.
Also read: 5 games that defined Jurgen Klopp's first season at Liverpool
In midfield, Emre Can is likely to be a sure starter leaving Henderson, Milner, Grujic and Allen or a new face competing for one or two places. If Henderson won't be a regular starter, then the rumour of the armband going to Dejan Lovren might turn out to be more than a rumour. The manager has the option to play a three man midfield or a two-man pivot with the players at his disposal.
In the more attacking midfield areas, there is plenty of pace, skills, flair, goals, assists and magic. The likes of Coutinho, Firmino, Mane, Lallana and James Milner offers Klopp a lot of variety options. He can now bring on game changers from the bench if things are not working out well on the pitch. This is the most balanced part of the Liverpool squad right now.
In the goal scoring department, Klopp is likely to have some welcome headaches. For a couple of months towards the end of last season, Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi gave each other a run for their money to become the first choice striker. The return of Danny Ings will add more flavour to this competition. In addition, Klopp also has the option of using Firmino up front in the worst case scenario.
This, however, spells doom to two souls - Christian Benteke and Mario Balotelli and it is no secret that Liverpool are actively looking to find suitors for these strikers.
Can Klopp become the master chef?
With just three competitions to play this season, Klopp can rotate his side smartly and keep players fresh in order to get the best out of his unit.
Former Liverpool boss, Brendan Rodgers, has come out and spoken about a title challenge from Reds this season, However, it's too early for such notions. The competition in the Premier League in the coming season is more than ever before as the likes of Leicester, West Ham, Southampton and Everton have added fuel to the fire.
Also read: Rating each signing made by Reds manager Jurgen Klopp
A realistic target should be finishing in a Champions League spot accompanied by another cup run with a positive outcome this time around.
Klopp is training one of the youngest squads in the Premier League. The oldest member of the squad is James Milner (30) followed by Lucas (29) and Simon Mignolet (28). The lack of experience is a matter of concern but the German managed a similar young squad back in Dortmund and won them two league titles.
Brace yourself for the hot and spicy dish Jurgen's cooking at Anfield.
