According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are hoping to land two new midfielders this summer. Therefore, this is how Jurgen Klopp’s side could line-up next season.
As widely reported, the Reds are prioritising the signing of Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Merseyside outfit are facing tough competition from the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City, and it is said the 19-year-old is likely to cost over the £100m mark.
The second midfielder Liverpool are eyeing is Matheus Nunes, of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Although he was touted to make the move to Anfield last year, a deal failed to come to fruition.
Instead, it is now believed the Reds are planning a £50m swoop for the 24-year-old at the end of the campaign.
With these two targets in mind, we are going to explore how Klopp’s side could line-up next season.
Defence
As one of the best goalkeepers in world football, Alisson Becker will obviously keep his place in Liverpool’s XI for years to come.
At right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold is touted to make more appearances for the Reds than the likes of Kenny Dalglish. At 24 years old, the defender has already played 251 times for the club, so it certainly isn’t unreasonable to suggest he can surpass King Kenny’s total of 515 appearances.
In the middle of the defence, Virgil van Dijk will continue to be one of the first names on Klopp’s team-sheet. He will be joined by Ibrahima Konate, who has proven he is one of the most exciting centre-backs in European football.
At left-back, Andy Robertson is expected to keep his place, with the odd rotation to be made with the Greek Scouser Kostas Tsimikas.
Midfield
In the defensive midfield position, Fabinho is likely to continue for Klopp in the starting XI. However, with signs of the Brazilian slowing down, 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic has put forward his case of why he should be in contention to start week-in, week-out.
Subsequently, with the new players coming in preferring to play centrally in the middle of the park, the obvious idea would be to start them both.
However, Thiago Alcantara has by far been the best midfielder in the Reds’ squad in recent times. His defensive contributions and his incredible playmaking ability have been crucial in keeping the midfield ticking over when others haven’t been performing.
Consequently, the 31-year-old is expected to start for Liverpool next season. This leaves one spot left in the middle, and that will likely go to the big money signing – that being Bellingham.
Nunes is unlucky to miss out, having been hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by former teammate Goncalo Santos. Despite this, the £50m man will still receive lots of game-time, playing in the various competitions the Reds have to compete in.
Attack
On the left, Luis Diaz is expected back in the starting XI. The Colombian has had a nightmare with injuries this season, so Klopp will be eager to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible.
On the right, Mohamed Salah will obviously retain his place in the Liverpool team. Offensively, the 30-year-old has been crucial in the Reds’ success, and this isn’t expected to change in the immediate future.
Lastly, Darwin Nunez is expected to start up-front. The 23-year-old has shown glimpses of utter brilliance this season, so Klopp will be excited to see the striker firing with bags of confidence and experience under his belt next term.
Predicted Liverpool starting XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Bellingham; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.
