Brendan Rodgers set to make enforcements to mount another title challenge…
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Liverpool came agonisingly close to Premier League title glory last season, finishing two points behind Manchester City, after slipping up against Chelsea and Crystal Palace when they were virtually at the finishing line.
Manager Brendan Rodgers though knows he will have to boost his relatively thin squad ahead of next season’s Champions League campaign, and will have to enter the transfer market in order to do so…
If all goes to plan, here’s how Liverpool could line up next season…
GK) Simon Mignolet
Pepe Reina is returning from his loan spell in Italy, but Rodgers rates his Belgian no.1 highly, even if not every Liverpool fan shares his opinion just yet… Mignolet will be starting between the sticks again next season for the Reds, but will hope to not put in quite so many shaky performances.
Click through the pages to read the rest of the side!
DR) Glen Johnson
England’s first-choice right-back is also Liverpool’s first-choice right-back, and although he’s currently struggling to agree an extension on his deal – he’s still contracted to Anfield for next season at least. He’s improved defensively with age, but still provides the attacking impetus up the right he’s so well known for.
DC) Mamadou Sakho
Sakho cost almost £18m last summer, and captained France to a 4-0 victory yesterday evening, despite being aged just 23. Injuries and occasional poor form hampered his first season in England, but Rodgers will surely give his most expensive signing to date a proper chance to develop his undeniable talent next term.
DC) Dejan Lovren
Daniel Agger is probably leaving after criticising Rodgers, and although Martin Skrtel scored seven times last term, his defensive inconsistency sometimes makes him a liability. Liverpool conceded 50 Premier League goals last term, and Southampton’s Croatian Dejan Lovren could be targeted to come and fix the shaky back four.
DL) Alberto Moreno
The Reds need a new left-back, and one will almost certainly be signed this summer. Jon Flanagan is naturally a right-back, while Rodgers can’t trust Jose Enrique because of his constant injuries. Moreno is only 21-years-old, but is already a full Spanish international after his superb season with Sevilla. Liverpool could face competition from both Real Madrid and Chelsea for his services though.
MC) Steven Gerrard/ Emre Can
Gerrard will definitely play the anchorman role next term, but with the legendary midfielder approaching 34, Rodgers might need to sign someone to rotate with his skipper. Bayer Leverkusen’s Emre Can has been touted, and at 20-years-old, his £10m release clause seems good value.
MC) Coutinho/Joe Allen
Both Coutinho and Allen are technically superb, and have the creative ability and spark to link midfield with attack. Brazilian Coutinho is that little bit more special, while his Welsh teammate is more consistent. Both will play big roles in the squad next term.
MC) Jordan Henderson
One of the first names on Rodgers’ team-sheet will be the England international. His work-rate and desire is uncompromising, but his passing and ability to create chances has also improved. In fact, liverpool looked a totally different side when he missed matches at the end of last season due to a suspension.
AMC) Raheem Sterling/Xherdan Shaqiri
Wonderkid Sterling is brilliant, and arguably the best teenager on the planet. Bayern Munich’s Xerdan Shaqiri is being targeted to provide him competition in attacking midfield though, and could want to move to increase his chances of game time.
FC) Luis Suarez
The brilliant Uruguayan, right up there with the world’s very best strikers, has assured supporters that he’s happy at Anfield and will be staying with Liverpool. With him on the side, Liverpool will always, always have a chance.
FC) Daniel Sturridge
Suarez’s strike partner will lead the line for England at this summer’s World Cup, and return to Merseyside to do the same for Liverpool next term. Last season, he notched 21 Premier League goals – and is being rightly being touted up there with the best forwards in Europe.
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