Life in the red half of the Merseyside has taken a turn for the better. Dreams have almost turned true and the famous Kop which was fast losing its interest in the happenings at Anfield is buzzing again. The catalyst has been the pursuit of Jurgen Klopp to take over the reins at Liverpool FC. With various media sources claiming that the German is set to be unveiled as the new manager on either of Thursday or Friday, we predict the strongest Reds line-up under Klopp. Please note that while the manager would probably bring in a number of players, we will strictly keep this line up from the current roster of players attached to Liverpool.
Goal Keeper
I have reiterated this before, here as well at the other forums that Liverpool have their number 1 goal keeper in place. However, they do not have a number 2 goal keeper to push Mignolet into performing better and then there’s Adam Bogdan. Klopp will have only Simon Mignolet to fit into the goal keeper’s role.
Defenders
Nathaniel Clyne is the best full-back in the side and will walk into the side, even under Klopp. At the other end, Moreno is experiencing resurgence in form and fitness and will partner Clyne. However, we expect Klopp to change the set central defence set up with Martin Skrtel being the casualty. The former Dortmund manager has shown an interest in Illori and we expect him to cut the Portuguese defenders loan immediately. With Sakho already in the fold and firing on all cylinders despite limited playing time, Klopp has just the often erring Skrtel to replace in the line-up.
Midfielder
Klopp has favoured the 4-2-3-1 formation and we expect him to continue with the formation with Jordan Henderson and Emre Can being the central pairing. While he might have deployed a mobile defensive midfielder as one of the duo, for lack of better personnel at the club, Klopp will need to mould Can into that role with Henderson being in the advanced role.
The position for the 3 attackers ahead of the central pairing will be occupied by Coutinho, Firmino and Ibe/Markovic (Believe me he will recalled with less than half the season gone). While Coutinho and Firmno will play tucked closer to the striker and the centre of the park, Ibe/Markovic will have a free role behind the striker, often looking for spots that their teammates create for them to run into
Strikers
A fit Daniel Sturridge is the best striker in the club and fits the free-flowing philosophy adopted by the German in his previous managerial roles. Many might point out that playing a single striker has not worked out well for the club in the past. However, one must note that under Rodgers the single striker was often isolated and the link up with midfield was absent. With a plethora of attacking players to occupy the role behind the striker, Klopp will look to establish the link up play and also tuck them closer to the striker to utilise his movement on and off the ball.
Klopp time is here and so are exciting times. I know he has not been unveiled yet, but the feeling is immense. We have failed to make the right signings in the past and this looks like the FSG’s redemption time. With his acumen of setting up brilliant side, well complemented by the young brigade at the club, the club looks to be moving in a positive direction.
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