Possible Liverpool lineup for 2014/15 season.
SEE ALSO: best Premier League players 2014/15
With the big news breaking today that Liverpool could be closing in on a deal to sign AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli, CaughtOffside looks at how the Italian international could fit into the Reds’ starting lineup this season.
With Brendan Rodgers needing a top quality signing upfront after selling Luis Suarez in a £75m deal to Barcelona, the club may have secured a superb addition of a big-name replacement in Balotelli, who could form an incredible strikeforce alongside Daniel Sturridge, replicating the amazing combination of Sturridge and Suarez last season.
The club have already strengthened in other areas this summer, and have a very strong-looking XI overall. See below for a run-through and how Balotelli could fit in.
Goalkeeper and defence:
In a new-look back four, Spanish youngster Alberto Moreno is a highly exciting signing at left-back for Liverpool after joining the club from Sevilla. On the other side, another promising Spaniard Javier Manquillo could become first choice at right-back ahead of the under-performing Glen Johnson. Dejan Lovren also joined from Southampton earlier this summer and looks likely to become first choice at centre-back alongside Martin Skrtel.
Midfield:
In what is likely to be a four-man midfield for much of the season, Liverpool will also welcome new signing Adam Lallana into their starting lineup when the England international returns from injury. The winger was superb for Southampton last season and will challenge the likes of Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho for a place. With plenty of options here, Lazar Markovic also misses out on a starting place in this XI, despite looking like another great prospect brought to the club this summer.
Attack:
In what would perhaps be the best strike partnership in the Premier League, Mario Balotelli could form a world class combination with Daniel Sturridge in attack, rivalling the pairing of Sturridge and Suarez (SAS) last season. The Italian international has his disciplinary issues, but is no doubt a world class player capable of firing the Reds to new heights domestically and in Europe this season if they can conclude this deal, which is looking increasingly likely as the summer draws to a close.
Liverpool XI with Balotelli in full:
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