Liverpool's potential starting XI for 2014-15 season

With the World Cup well behind us and the transfer market in full swing, expectations are once again sky high for the 2014-15 Premier League season. Every manager is busy bolstering the squad at their disposal with Arsenal finally splurging the cash, champions Manchester City scouting defenders to shore up the leakydefence, Manchester United aiming to rebuild under new manager Louis van Gaal, and Chelsea looking ever-so-strong under Jose Mourinho. Liverpool too, meanwhile, have had a hectic transfer window themselves having had to deal with a high-profile exit from Anfield. The Reds have so far signed 6 new faces and with the promise of more to come, Brendan Rodgers has moved to add some much needed depth to his squad.While questions still remain as to whether Liverpool can build on their runner-up finish from last season, especially after talisman Luis Suarezs move to Barcelona. A question whose answer only time would tell. But to give a fair idea, here we take a previewed look at what Liverpools starting XI might look come August 16.Formation: 4-3-3.

#1 Simon Mignolet

After a dream start to his Anfield career – saving a penalty in the stoppage time on his debut against Stoke City – Mignolet endured somewhat of an indifferent season towards the festive period, being directly at fault for goals conceeded at both Manchester City and Chelsea.

However, the Belgian international might have just done enough towards the end of last season to merit a starting spot for the opening day fixture against the Saints. Mignolet is confident with his feet and is an effective shot stopper. Though there is no doubt he’ll only get better with experiece, the mistakes committed last season need to be cut out, especially the lack of communication with the back four.

With there being effectively no interest from neither Barcelona nor Napoli for Pepe Reina’s services, it seems increasingly likely that the Spaniard will remain at Merseyside for the coming season. This added pressure from competition for spots should be enough to keep Mignolet on his toes as he would be well aware that no let-offs would be tolerated this time.

#2 Jon Flanagan

Although pre-seasons aren’t exactly a perfect platform to pass judgements, but to be very fair to Glen Johnson, he’s been on a sharp decline ever since the 2012-13 season. There’s no doubting his attacking prowess, but his defensive record remains a concern. A massive concern, that is. With him entering the final year of his contract and QPR interested in securing his services, Liverpool would be more than happy to part ways with him now, rather than on for free next year.

Jon Flanagan, on the other hand, is an academy graduate who has grown places ever since being handed a surprise starting spot for the trip to Arsenal last season. Though his natural position is right-back, he made the left-back position his own in the absence of injured Jose Enrique. The away games at Everton, Tottenham and Manchester United are exemplary examples of how well he adapted to his first-team role. His performances drew praises from even the legendary Brazilian right-back Cafu, who visited Anfield to watch the diminutive Englishman, dubbed the Scouse Cafu, in action.

#3 Dejan Lovren

Brendan Rodgers had been on an extensive search for the perfect parter to Sakho in central defence, with both Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel failing to impress him. He recognised Dejan Lovren was just the man for the job. The Dinamo Zagreb academy product had one of the finest seasons of his career at Southampton. He made no secret of his desire to leave once Liverpool showed an interest in him, handing a transfer request in the process.

Though £20 million price tag might seem to be a bit on the expensive side, Lovren is a commanding and a powerful presence in the central defence. The Croatian is accustomed to play possession football and maintain a high defensive line. Together he and Sakho have all the attributes to form a formidable partnership for years to come.

He has played on the left of the central defence for some years now, but Rodgers would be hoping he would be able to switch to the other side of the defence with utmost ease.

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#4 Mamadou Sakho

Sakho’s first season settling into English football following a big money move from Paris-Saint Germain was in no way a smooth ride. The French international was found out of depth at times – most natably against Crystal Palace, a match which effectively cost Liverpool the title. But his season was marred with frequent injuries and regular in and out of the team certainly played its part as well.

Strength is one of his biggest attributes, for the French monster is absolutely fearless. A staggering 92.5% pass acuracy and equally impressive aerial accuracy he remains an ideal man for Brendan Rodgers’ system – a system relying on the defence passing from the back and up through the pitch.

With an impressive showing at the World Cup for the Les Bleus behind his back, the upcoming season is a make-or-break season for him, a season where he’d be hoping to justify the £15 million Brendan Rodgers invested in him.

#5 Alberto Moreno

Alberto Moreno has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield all summer, but no breakthrough had so far been reached with Sevilla pushing on for more money. As a result, Brendan Rodgers had been forced to switch targets. But with Chelsea refusing to enter into negotiations for Bertrand with Liverpool and instead sealing his loan deal to Southampton, the Liverpool Echo and various other reliable sources report that the Moreno deal is back on track and could even be concluded by next week.

The 22-year old enjoyed a brilliant season with Sevilla, helping them towards Europa League success, notching up clean sheets along the way and even forcing his way into the Spain first-team setup. An upgrade on current left-back Jose Enrique, Moreno is essentially a perfect modern-day full-back. Running at the opposition, committing defenders, delivering crosses, and with a sweet left foot to boast, Alberto Moreno has all the attributes to take the Premier league by a storm.

#6 Steven Gerrard

Now this was a no-brainer really. The Captain selects himself. Even a 34, Gerrard continues to defy age and remains just as vital for Liverpool’s successes as ever.

Gerrard has found a new lease of life in the holding midfielder’s role under Rodgers, thus freeing him from the physical requirements of his more traditional box-to-box approach. He was in super form last season and even earned himself a place in the PFA team of the year, with 13 goals and 13 assists to his credit.

In a move to prolong his already glittering Anfield career, Gerrard recently announced his retirement from international football. With experience of playing European football in abundance, he remains the chief figure for the Reds next season if they aspire to build on their impressive run last season.

#7 Jordan Henderson

Jordan Henderson was Liverpool’s most important player last season, behind Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge. This was pretty evident in the matches against Chelsea and Crystal Palace towards the end of the season. The Reds had won 11 games on the trot prior to losing against Chelsea at Anfield – a match which derailed Liverpool’s title hopes – as Hendo was forced to sit out due to his sending off against Manchester City.

Following his arrival in the now-infamous transfer splurge during Kenny Dalglish’s reign, the midfielder became a laughing stock of the world. But an impressive last season saw him earn the tag of the ‘most improved player’ in the league. He proved himself to be an ideal partner to Steven Gerrard, often compensating for his lack of pace. The continuous running and pressing, harrying the opponent to miscontrol a pass are often undervalued but remain one of the major reasons behind Liverpool’s excellent campaign.

#8 Phillipe Coutinho

Another shrewd January acquisition, Phil Coutinho continues to repose the faith put in him by Brendan Rodgers. Although he may lack the output, but his overall contribution to the buildup play can not be overstated, especially those defence-splitting crosses. If only he can add that shooting profiency to his game, he could be right up there, among the very best in the league.

In more important games, Brendan Rodgers might feel the need to field more defensive options in the middle of the park, continued Premier League exposure would only enhance the Brazilian dynamite’s performances.

#9 Adam Lallana

Brendan Rodgers wasted no time in marking Adam Lallana from Southampton as his priority signing this summer. After a long summer of discussions, he was rewarded when a deal was struck to sign the former Saints skipper.

Though the £25 million price tag seems to be a tad expensive for a 26-year old, Brendan Rodgers obviously has high hopes from the England international and sees him fitting into his plans perfectly. Lallana had a fine 2013/14 season and was also in the England squad for the World Cup.

However, 3 weeks prior to his anticipated Anfield debut, Lallana suffered a knee injury during Liverpool’s pre-season tour of United States, ruling him out of action for atleast the next six weeks.

Judging by the amount Liverpool splurged for him, Lallana could find himself into the first-team setup straight away upon his return. In his absence, Lazar Markovic – another big money purchase from Benfica – could be handed the opportunity to impress on the left wing.

#10 Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling is undoubtably a star in the making. After starting out the season as a squad rotation player, Sterling became an indispensable unit of Brendan Rodgers’ first-team setup. He took the Premier League by a storm and immediately found himself on the plane to Brazil for the World Cup.

The blistering pace that he possesses is his biggest asset. The 19-year old was seemingly untouchable at times, making the Reds particularly lethal while counter-attacking. He was one of the few shining lights for England during the dismal WC camapign, causing Uruguay and Italy headaches with his lightning quick movement and dribbling.

Though Rodgers played him as an attacking midfielder towards the end of last season, wing play remains his favoured position. But with the advantage of being versatile, he could easily swap positions as per the situation.

#11 Daniel Sturridge

Following a £12mn January move from Chelsea, Daniel Sturridge’s form for Liverpool has been nothing short of sensational. Last season, playing second fiddle to Luis Suarez, the Englishman racked up a mammoth 25 goals and 9 assists across all competitions – second only to the Uruguayan. With his fellow partner in destruction having departed to Barcelona, onus will well and truly be be on him to deliver another string of standout performances. The 24-year old has previously shown during Suarez’s ban last season that he is capable of leading the attack whenever required.

Sturridge would fancy his chances with an opportunity to be Liverpool’s target man for many years to come on the line. With the talent at his disposal, possibility of another 20-goal campaign can not be ruled out!