Liverpool have enjoyed a splendid 2019/20 season. Jurgen Klopp’s men are just two wins away from lifting their first-ever Premier League title, having opened up a 25-point lead over second-placed Manchester City.
There is no denying that we have one of the most well-rounded squads in the Premier League, with world-class players and budding youngsters coming through as well.
But, what if you were allowed to choose one player from each of the remaining 19 Premier League club to improve the squad? Who would you pick? The Kop Times explores such a hypothetical scenario.
This is an easy one. The Arsenal captain is one of the most prolific strikers in the game. Last season’s joint Golden Boot winner, along with our very own Sadio Mane and Mo Salah, Aubameyang is second in the goal-scoring charts this season.
With Roberto Firmino experiencing a slightly indifferent campaign, imagine what having Aubameyang partner Mane and Salah would do to opposition defences!
The Aston Villa captain has been their best player this season by a country mile. Grealish has been one of the highest chance-creators this season in the Premier League (69
) and can score a few himself too. Capable of playing in midfield or on the flanks, Grealish would provide us with more depth and quality in multiple positions as well.A player who has been linked with Liverpool in the past (h/t Independent) – Fraser is a traditional winger, something that is lacking in our squad currently. Would add an alternate dimension to the team’s play despite his underwhelming 2019-20 season.
Dejan Lovren has been a liability for Liverpool for some time now. So if given a chance to replace him with Lewis Dunk, I’d jump at the chance. The Brighton defender has been a solid presence since the club’s promotion to Premier League and while he may not become a first-team regular at Liverpool, he would be a reliable backup to fall back upon.
Either of Ben Mee or James Tarkowski would have been good picks too. But young Dwight McNeil has had an impressive season this time out. The winger offers pace, creativity and good end product from the wide positions and has shown on multiple occasions this season that he can be a handful for defenders to deal with.
A player who is admired by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Has shown glimpses of his quality since arriving at Chelsea and would provide quality backup to Salah and Mane, and would be a ready-made replacement if either of the two superstars decides to leave the club at some point.
One of the trickiest wingers in the Premier League, Zaha has completed the second-highest take-ons in the Premier League this season (136). Would be a lively addition to our attacking department.
No thank you.
Rivalry aside, Richarlison would have been a decent pick. But given the lack of a proper backup for Andrew Robertson, Lucas Digne gets picked here. The Frenchman has been one of our local rivals’ best players this season, impressing in both attacking and defensive facets of the game.
Jamie Vardy, James Maddison, Ben Chilwell, take your pick. There are quite a few Leicester players who would add quality depth to our ranks. But given the Dejan Lovren problem, Caglar Soyuncu is who I’ve gone with. The Turkish international has had a splendid season for the Foxes and was brilliant in Turkey’s UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying campaign.
The best midfielder in the Premier League. Period. Most assists this season (16), most chances created (96), who wouldn’t want De Bruyne on their team?
Pass.
Again, putting our bitter enmity aside, Marcus Rashford would be a fine addition to the squad. The England international has progressed rapidly in the past few years and has grown into one of the best young forwards in Europe.
The Switzerland international has a lot of experience, is a fairly reliable customer at the back and at 28, still has plenty left to offer at the top level. Not a bad backup to have in the ranks.
The Argentine has been one of the few positives for the Premier League bottom-dwellers this season. Only De Bruyne, Trent Alexander-Arnold and James Maddison have created more chances than Buendia this season (73). The Norwich City man also has 7 assists to his name. Buendia is Premier League quality and can improve our creativity further.
The Blades have been the surprise package of the season. Pushing for a European qualification spot in their first season after promotion is impressive. And they have their defence to thank for in large parts, given that they are the best defensive unit in the league after us. Any of Chris Basham, Jack O’Connell or John Egan would be good additions but the latter’s better distribution skills give him a slight edge.
Bring back Danny Ings? I say why not. After an injury-riddled spell with Liverpool, Ings has rediscovered his best form with Southampton and has scored 18 goals this season.
The England captain has been one of the most prolific goalscorers across Europe for the past five years. Would improve any team he joins.
Who else but the man who was responsible for our unbeaten run in the Premier League to come to an end. In his first season in England, the Senegalese hasn’t always been consistent, but his performance against Liverpool showed the quality he possesses. Plus, he’s good friends with Sadio Mane!
Declan Rice was also considered, but a defender would suit our needs more at this point than a holding midfielder, which is why the latter gets picked. Diop has impressed heavily since arriving on English shores in 2018 and would be an upgrade on Dejan Lovren.
Brute force, blistering pace and an eye for a goal – the former Barcelona academy graduate has it all. Traore, who has completed most take-ons this season (144), has added the element of consistency to his game and would thrive in our team.
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