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Liverpool’s superb away victory at Atletico Madrid was merely the latest triumph in what has been a fantastic start to the campaign for Jurgen Klopp’s side. That is despite a quiet summer transfer window which saw Ibrahima Konate arrive as the club’s only major signing, but with reported links to both Joao Felix and Raheem Sterling, their squad could soon look very different.
Express Sport looks at the tools Klopp could have at his disposal:
Goalkeeper: Alisson
Although the Brazilian was a latecomer to the European game, he plays with a level of assurance which suggests he has played in the big leagues for a decade.
Liverpool’s fortunes changed completely after he was signed from Roma in 2018.
Himself and Virgil van Dijk shored up the backline, and trophies followed including the Champions League and the Premier League.
His place between the sticks is certainly not under threat any time soon, giving him the chance to add to an already glowing highlight reel.
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Midfield: Thiago, Fabinho, Henderson
Liverpool fans have been left frustrated at the sight of Thiago Alcanatara playing within himself during his stint at Anfield to date, even with a stabling influence like Fabinho screening the backline.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich man has bags of technical ability, but Premier League defences have not quite felt the brunt of it yet.
Jordan Henderson’s dressing room influence and leadership qualities on the pitch make him a good shout for the right-hand side of a midfield trio, although others will also be waiting for their chance.
Supremely talented youngsters Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott are already knocking on the door, while Naby Keita’s recent catalogue of volleys demonstrated what he is capable of.
Attack: Salah, Felix, Mane
Over the past 12 months, we have seen the first signs that a formidable attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino can be disrupted.
Diogo Jota has seen plenty of action at Firmino’s expense, but having beaten Jadon Sancho to the Golden Boy award in 2019, Joao Felix could do even better.
Former Reds star Steve McManaman has tipped the move as ‘an easy one’ based on the Portuguese’s compatible style of play.
Flanked by Mane and a rampant Salah, who knows what this uber-talented trio would be capable of.
Subs: Firmino, Jota, Sterling
A side-effect of both Felix and Sterling being introduced to an already competitive attacking contingent is plenty of options for Klopp.
Manchester City have made squad rotation work to their advantage, and although Sterling may find himself simply going from one bench to another, he knows what Liverpool are all about.
The England international came through the ranks at Anfield, joining City in 2015 and while it has been a success on the whole, things have slowed down dramatically of late.
Still, he could be used often from the bench, alongside Firmino and Jota who would all by vying for minutes in a squad fit to challenge on all fronts.
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