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Liverpool 2020/21: How The Champions Could Line-Up

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How could Liverpool Line up next season?

 

Liverpool 2020/21: How The Champions Could Line-Up

After securing their first domestic title for 30 years during the 2019/20 campaign, Jurgen Klopp’s and Liverpool’s attention will now firmly be on the 2020/21 season. Anfield playing host as Liverpool get begin their title defence against newly promoted Leeds United next Saturday at 5.00pm.

With such a short space of time between the end of the last and the start of the new, Klopp, like all managers will have had very little time to work on new signings and potentially new systems, therefore can we expect to see much of the same from a Liverpool side who were so relentless in their dominance last term? Or has this Liverpool squad got a surprise in store?

Here’s how we expect the Premier League champions to line up as they set about defending their crown…

 

Goalkeeper – Alisson Becker

There is only one man for the job when it comes to Liverpool’s number one. The Brazilian has been more or less imperious since his switch from Roma to the Reds. Alisson will hope his injuries from last season are behind him and he can be in place all year for Klopp’s side.

 

Right Back – Trent Alexander-Arnold

Not much to say, an unbelievable performer who’s backed up his attacking prowess with more defensive solidity. Assists and goals have become part of his game just as much as tackling and marking, a formidable part of the Liverpool attack and integral to the side’s success.

Centre Back – Joe Gomez

Perhaps a little more inconsistent than he would’ve hoped last term. Gomez remains the first choice partner alongside van Dijk but will hope for a better campaign in 2020/21. On his day a cool, calm and collected operator who deals with everything that comes his way.

 

Centre Back – Virgil van Dijk 

Possibly the first name on the team sheet, the heart of the Liverpool defence and a colossus since he arrived. The Dutchman wins everything in the air, wins every race and every tackle. Also has the innate ability to improve those around him. He can be a threat going forwards and will hope for more goals this coming season.

 

Left Back – Andy Robertson

Robertson faces fresh competition from new-arrival Kostas Tsimikas for his spot, but the Scotsman will be confident of his place in the side, and rightly so. Another who has been a revelation since joining Klopp’s squad. Will be desperate to win the personal assists battle in 2020/21 after losing out to his cross pitch mate TAA last term.

 

Defensive Midfielder – Fabinho

The best around at his job, breaking up play and winning back possession for the Reds. The Brazilian’s long limbs manage to win the ball back from impossible situations and set the side away on the front foot once more. The DM chipped in with the odd assist and wonder strike during the Premier League winning season, he will certainly hope for more of the same this coming season.

 

Centre Midfielder – Jordan Henderson

Captain fantastic. A true leader on and off the field, Henderson embodies everything that is good about this Liverpool side, his never ending energy and running set the standard for his teammates to follow. Added moments of quality to his game that were previously lacking and has quickly become a major part of the what makes the Reds tick.

 

Centre Midfielder – Naby Keita

The Guinean midfielder began to emerge and show his true colours after the lockdown. In truth Liverpool haven’t seen the best of the midfielder since his arrival from RB Leipzig, this upcoming season is a big one for the 25 year old, especially if a certain Thiago Alcantara does arrive. Keita will quickly find himself under pressure for his place.

 

Right Wing – Mohamed Salah

The Egyptian King looks to have a free run at his position once more, despite the club being linked with numerous striking targets it seems Salah is simply irreplaceable. With 23 goals across the Premier League and UEFA Champions League in 2019/20 Salah has every right to be pleased with his return, although the 28 year old will know it perhaps should have been more.

 

Number Nine – Roberto Firmino 

Despite critics disparaging his goal return, Liverpool’s number nine is a crucial cog in the way Klopp’s side operates. Firmino is a glaring miss when not included in the starting eleven and has quickly made the role his own. The Brazilian’s ability to drop deep and with it take one or occasionally two defenders with him to open up space in behind is a joy to behold. Will face the new challenge of competition from youngster Rhian Brewster, although their styles are incredibly different.

 

Left Wing – Sadio Mane

Many people’s player of the season last year, the Senegalese forward was almost impossible to defend against at times and scored some wonderful goals along the way. Will be hoping to break the 20 Premier League goal mark in 2020/21 after finishing with 18 in the title winning campaign. Liverpool have been linked with countryman Ismaila Sarr, but Mane is not likely to be usurped by new arrivals.

 

Substitutes 

Adrian, Divock Origi, Joel Matip, Rhian Brewster, Curtis Jones, Neco Williams, James Milner, Kostas Tsimikas, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

 

Missing men

There is no place for Xherdan Shaqiri in the squad, whether the Swiss international departs the club this summer is still up in the air, however at full strength it’s difficult to find a place for him given his lack of match time in recent months.

One glaring omission is that of Gini Wijnaldum, and with it Thiago Alcantara of course. As the transfer saga plays out in front of our eyes its best both midfielders sit this one out for now.

Finally two youngsters who will most likely see some first-team action in 2020/21, Harvey Elliott and Billy Koumetio, both 17 years old and both with exciting futures at the club.

 

Summary

So generally speaking much of the same from Klopp and his squad, but why change a winning formula. The German boss has built a winning machine packed full of what he would call ‘mentality monsters’. And with such strength in depth already in place, perhaps it’s little wonder the Reds aren’t out buying up every player in sight.

 

We hope you enjoyed this article ‘Liverpool 2020/21: How The Champions Could Line-Up’. Where do you think Liverpool will finish next season? Let us know!

 

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Reignited my passion for writing following a change of career path after a 6 month spell in Australia. Passionate about all sports, cricket and football in particular. Avid Liverpool Football Club fan and non-league football watcher.

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