Liverpool have made three signings over the course of the summer transfer window to bolster their squad ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The most high-profile of the signings is Darwin Nuñez, who has joined the Anfield outfit from Benfica in a deal which could reach £85 million.
So, will he and his fellow new recruits at Liverpool walk straight into Jürgen Klopp’s starting XI? Let’s explore.
Advert
Goalkeeper and Defence
Between the sticks, Alisson will keep his spot as first-choice goalkeeper after a fantastic 2021/22 season.
The full backs also pretty much pick themselves. Kostas Tsimikas covered well when called upon last season and new signing Calvin Ramsay will look to provide competition at right back, but Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold won’t be displaced anytime soon.
In central defence, things get a bit more complicated. Last term, Van Dijk was a constant, as he’ll likely continue to be.
Advert
One suspects Ibrahima Konaté will be firmly established as Van Dijk’s main partner next season, with Joel Matip providing the primary competition. Joe Gomez will be hoping to play a less peripheral role.
Midfield
On the right-hand-side of Jürgen Klopp’s midfield three, there are a few options.
Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Harvey Elliot all enjoy playing in such a role.
Advert
After struggling with an ankle injury last term, this could be the season Harvey Elliot really makes that role his.
Sitting in the middle of that midfield three as the more defensive player will be Fabinho. No debate.
To the Brazilian’s left was more often than not Thiago Alcantara last season. After a much more successful second season in a Liverpool shirt, Thiago will keep his place, with 36-year-old James Milner providing back-up. Milner has recently signed a new contract with Liverpool.
Advert
Attack
As he has done so at Liverpool for a number of years now, Liverpool’s right-forward picks himself. Mohamed Salah. He’ll continue to be Liverpool’s talisman next season in spite of his ongoing contractual issues. New recruit Fabio Carvalho will provide competition for the Egyptian.
Through the middle, in comes the new man. Darwin Nuñez will be Jürgen Klopp’s main striker option next term and will look to acclimatise to the Premier League as soon as possible.
As for the left-forward role, it’s hard to look past Luis Diaz. Diogo Jota will be pushing to start in that position too, but the 25-year-old Diaz will be a difficult man to displace.
Advert
Of course, given the depth of the Liverpool squad there’ll be a lot of interchangeability as the season goes. On paper though, that would be the Reds’ strongest starting XI.
Topics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Football