England international midfielder set for Anfield move…
SEE ALSO: Liverpool’s worst ever signings!
Southampton captain and England midfielder Adam Lallana is travelling up to Liverpool to complete a medical ahead of a £25m transfer to Anfield, reports the Independent.
The player excelled for the Saints last term, scoring nine goals and assisting five more, and will add a further creative spark to the Liverpool side.
With Lallana included, as well as two more new signings, (and the probable departure of Liverpool’s best player), here’s how Brendan Rodgers’ men could line up in 2014/15…
GK) Simon Mignolet
The Belgian keeper will start between the sticks for the Reds next term, although Guillermo Ochoa from Mexico may be signed on a free transfer as his backup.
DR) Jon Flanagan
We expect Flanagan to be able to win a spot on the right of defence ahead of, or at least in rotation with, Glen Johnson. Flanagan is improving week in week out, while Johnson’s World Cup performances prove that he’s arguably on the decline.
DC) Mamadou Sakho
Sakho is strong, powerful and despite first glance – an extremely good passer of the football. Injuries curtailed his debut Premier League season, but Rodgers is known to rate him highly, and we’re sure he’ll be instated as the club’s first choice central defender.
DC) NEW SIGNING: Dejan Lovren
With Daniel Agger’s future uncertain, and Martin Skrtel undeniably shaky, Croatian defender Lovren could arrive at Anfield to shore up last season’s leaky back line. Spurs are interested, but the lure of Champions League football could be enough to persuade the 24-year-old to choose Red over Lilly White.
DL ) NEW SIGNING: Ricardo Rodriguez or Marcos Rojo
With Alberto Moreno’s transfer off the cards, the Reds are likely to bring in either Swiss international Rodriguez or Argentine international Rojo. Both are excelling at the World Cup – and would fix Liverpool’s problem position. There’s no way the Reds will start next season without a new left-back.
MC) Steven Gerrard
Gerrard was brilliant last term, reaching double figures for both goals and assists despite playing in a deep anchorman role. He’s 34-years-old, but still has time at the very top left. Emre Can has been signed as his backup.
MC) Jordan Henderson
Henderson provides legs alongside Gerrard in the middle of the park, and his constant running and energy is crucial to the pressing style Rodgers demands. Joe Allen provides a solid rotation option, too.
AMC) Raheem Sterling
We’re sure that Sterling will be given the pivotal no.10 role his talent demands next term. He’s not exactly wasted out wide, but because of his wonderful vision, and drive through the centre, he’s more affective in the middle. Mercurial Brazilian Coutinho can also play here though, and Rodgers rotated the two to great effect last term.
AMR) NEW SIGNING: Alexis Sanchez
It’s becoming increasingly implausible that Luis Suarez will remain at Anfield after his third biting incident, and the Reds will do well to demand Chilean sensation Sanchez as part of any deal. It’s been mooted, but Rodgers will have a job on his hands to persuade the goalscoring wide man to move to England.
AML) NEW SIGNING: Adam Lallana
The £25m transfer fee seems steep, especially considering Chelsea just signed Cesc Fabregas for a similar fee. Lallana’s talents though are undoubted, but it remains to be seen whether he can transfer for them into the Champions League.
FC) Daniel Sturridge
With his strike partner likely to leave, Sturridge will need to score even more goals than the 21 he managed in the Premier League last season. With his pace and finishing ability though, he more than has the tools to do so.
