Is this Liverpool’s best XI?

Defensive Midfielder: Lucas Leiva

The Brazilian is the only truly defensive-minded player in the Liverpool midfield and makes the position his own. He may have lost a yard of pace following his knee surgery in 2012, but his sense of positioning is what makes him so good. He is often at the right place at the right time to snuff out the danger before it can happen, but the lack of pace has been exposed at times. His distribution is as good as it gets with a passing accuracy of 91% this season, and he keeps ticking things over, cycling possession from the back.

Central Midfielder: Steven Gerrard

No Liverpool team is complete without the Liverpool skipper, and he has been absolutely outstanding this season in a slightly deeper role. Although the lung-bursting runs are no longer there owing to the aged legs, Gerrard can still pick a pass, and has created 40 chances this season in 16 league appearances. Like old wine, he seems to be getting better and better, and dropping deeper has allowed him more time and possession to dictate the play. He has just returned from injury, and will look to continue his form into the New Year.

Central Midfielder: Jordan Henderson

If there was an award of most improved player, it would undoubtedly go to Henderson. With every passing day, he looks like he deserves a starting spot in the lineup, and he has been the driving force behind many of Liverpool’s great performances this season. His ability to make late runs into the box has given numerous headaches to defenders, and his understanding with Suarez is only growing. The chance of a seat on the plane to Brazil with the England squad will undoubtedly be an added motivation.

Attacking Midfielder: Philippe Coutinho

The Brazilian has been an inspired signing for the club, and has taken to the Premier League like a fish does to water. His intricate footwork and the vision has wowed fans and pundits alike, and he has struck up an excellent partnership with Daniel Sturridge since both of them arrived in January of last year. While his form seemed to have tailed off slightly from last season, the performance against Hull City last week showed exactly why the manager rates him so highly.

Striker: Daniel Sturridge

Sturridge has been scoring goals ever since his arrival from Chelsea last season- 19 goals in 26 league appearances. He has missed the last month due to an injury, but he expected to return later this week, and will form a mouth-watering forward line with Luis Suarez. Their understanding seemed to have gotten better this season, with both the strikers scoring goals in tandem, something the fans will surely be eagerly waiting for.

Striker: Luis Suarez

Apart from the 10-match ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, the Uruguayan has had an outstanding year in 2013, and since returning from the ban, he has scored 20 goals in only 15 league appearances. Every time he is on the pitch, he looks like scoring goals, and he seems to be relishing playing at Anfield. Having had the chance to lead the team in Gerrard’s absence, he has shown a willingness to guide youngsters in the team, and that will only benefit the club and the youngsters in the team.