Players like Coutinho, Skrtel, Reina, and even Lallana are not guaranteed starting spots next term…
See more: Mario Balotelli Topless
Last term, fans and neutrals alike bemoaned Liverpool’s lack of squad options, but next year, they could theoretically put out two different superb starting XIs, if they wrap up their final few transfer targets.
GK) Simon Mignolet & Pepe Reina
It’s possible that Liverpool will offload Pepe Reina, who is unlikely to win his spot back in the starting XI from Mignolet, but at the moment, Rodgers has two impressive stoppers to choose from…
DR) Glen Johnson & Jon Flanagan (& Javier Manquillo)
The young Englishman could challenge his older counterpart for a starting spot this season, after being used predominantly at left-back last term. Manquillo is close to finalising a loan move from Atletico Madrid.
DC) Mamadou Sakho & Daniel Agger (& Tiago Ilori)
Rodgers has claimed that Agger is still a key member of his squad, but Sakho is expected to be first-choice after an excellent World Cup with France. Youngster Ilori has also yet to be seen on loan, and could play a part following a decent loan spell at Granada from January this year.
DC) Dejan Lovren & Martin Skrtel
Lovren is close to finalising a £20m move to Anfield, while Skrtel will be competing for a starting spot himself, despite scoring more own goals last season than any player in Europe.
DL) Alberto Moreno & Jose Enrique
Enrique has returned from injury, while Liverpool have been chasing Moreno all summer long. The young Spaniard could eventually arrive at Anfield if the Reds agree to pay Sevilla’s £20m asking price.
MC) Steven Gerrard & Emre Can (& Lucas)
Can has arrived this summer for £10m, to provide backup to captain Gerrard in the anchorman role.
MC) Jordan Henderson & Joe Allen
Henderson will be one of the first names on the team sheet next season, after a terrific campaign in 2013/14. Allen can dictate tempo and tick over possession from the outset or from the bench.
AMR) Lazar Markovic & Suso
Markovic has signed for £20m, while young Spaniard Suso has returned from his loan spell at Almeria.
AMC) Raheem Sterling & Coutinho
Both the young starlets were often rotated during Liverpool’s title run-in last term, and will be hope to provide even more impact this summer. Not only can they play in the no.10 role, but on either wing – and Coutinho can drop deeper and do a job in the centre of the park as well.
AML) Adam Lallana & Loic Remy (& Jordon Ibe)
Lallana has arrived for £25m, while Frenchman Remy can play either on the left or up top, and is expected to sign for £8.5m after completing a medical. Wonderkid Jordon Ibe also will be in contention for game time, after impressing in pre-season so far.
FC) Daniel Sturridge & Rickie Lambert
Ageing forward Lambert has arrived to support the second top scorer in last season’s Premier League, Daniel Sturridge. Both will need to be excellent if LIverpool are not to miss the departed £75m superstar Luis Suarez too much.
