I know we have the biggest of matches remaining, and that we discuss specific transfers on another board, but I thought it would be worthwhile to begin a discussion about our squad going forward. The opinions are mine, but when we consider this or that player you really have to consider it in context of the whole group - rather than just say "bin player X" without considering if there's someone better, if Klopp seems likely to bin him, etc. I appreciate your feedback.
Goalkeeper
Returning First Choice – Loris Karius (Loris has kept the #1 jersey for a few months. Not sure Klopp has decided that he is the man).
New Arrivals: See Above. I don’t think Allison or any such high-priced player is happening, but someone younger to compete for starting job or a veteran to serve as the backup is more likely).
Departures: Simon Mignolet (will leave for first team football); Adam Bogdan.
Others: Danny Ward (Turns 25 next month. Not sure if he will be considered as the #2 when Simon leaves. If he is, probably no new senior arrival here).
Youth/Reserves: Caoimin Kelleher, Shamal George, Kamil Grabara – (all are supposedly promising, but I doubt any see first team action next season); Also have a trialist from St. Johnston named Ross Sinclair currently in.
Outside Back
Returning First Choice – Trent Alexander-Arnold (right back); Andy Robertson (left back) – both had a huge impact in Liverpool’s gegenpressing and fast-paced attack. There is room to improve defensively, especially for Trent, but I fully expect both to be starting regularly.
New Arrivals: ? (doubt it)
Departures (I expect Joe Gomez will be used more exclusively as a center back next season. Still, he can provide cover anywhere); Connor Randall, Jon Flanagan.
Others: Nathaniel Clyne (injured most of this season. He’s only 27 so it would be great to have such an experienced player around, and with all the matches he should get a good bit of first team football, especially in August, the festive season and if we make another deep Champions League run); Alberto Moreno – I actually read we are negotiating a new contract for him. If he’s willing to remain in a backup role, certainly he would bring more experience than many we might find for that position.
Youth/Reserves: Juanma, Anderson Arroyo, Adam Lewis
Central Defense
Returning First Choice – Virgil Van Dijk (fixture on the left side); Dejan Lovren (bit of a lightning rod as he can be very impressive or shockingly bad – mostly he’s been good with two main exceptions, Spurs and Man U away).
New Arrivals: ? (I would like to see a top-quality center back to partner Virgil, but we will see).
Departures: Maybe 32-year old Ragnar Klavan, but we are supposedly negotiating a new deal for him;
Others: Joel Matip (was first choice in 16-17 but suffered a dip in form and then injury. If fit he definitely upgrades the quality level at this position and should play a lot of first team football); Joe Gomez (not ready to start yet, but Klopp makes clear this is his preferred position); Klavan (strictly cover, but reliable).
Youth/Reserves: Conor Masterson (turns 20 in September, wouldn’t be surprised to see him get a loan similar to other young Reds this season); George Johnston, Nathaniel Phillips.
Central Midfield
Returning First Choice – Jordan Henderson (takes a lot of abuse but Klopp seems to like him), James Milner (a warrior who has shown some skill for us despite limited athleticism), Gini Wijnaldum (runs a bit hot and cold, could he be our new #6 d-mid?);
New Arrivals: Naby Keita (won’t be a d-mid and won’t really be an a-mid, but a two-way midfielder – should definitely displace someone in the starting XI but this season has shown we really need extra players everywhere to properly compete; Nabil Fekir (especially with Chamberlain’s injury, a dynamic a-mid player – and they don’t come cheaply – will probably be a transfer priority); possibly a more defensively-oriented midfielder
Departures: Emre Can (guess he just didn’t want to stay….dumb); Pedro Chirivella (looks a good player but I can’t see him breaking through and he’s 21, so we probably get something for him rather than nothing).
Others: Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain (first choice when fit in the #8 a-mid spot, but will be out until November and my guess is at least until January – and it’s not like he will come back like gangbusters immediately, so likely to be a fill-in from January through May); Adam Lallana (the way he played vs. Brighton offers hope after a mostly lost season; Ovie Ejaria (watch him contend for more playing time); Harry Wilson (should see some first team action this year, but might want to go on loan again); Marko Grujic (has chance in preseason to become more involved with first team); Allan (hard to see him getting a chance, either through selection or work permit issues); Ben Woodburn (not sure what has happened to him after a promising start).
Youth/Reserves: Herbie Kane, Bobby Adekanye, Liam Coyle, Curtis Jones (Jones the most likely to get a sniff of the first team)
Forwards
Returning First Choice – Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Mo Salah (nothing new to say about the best forward three in world football).
New Arrivals: ? (possibly a more veteran forward who is willing to not be the first choice player but given our schedule can be relied to play quite a few goals and provide a goal-scoring threat.
Departures: Daniel Sturridge (thanks for the memories); Lazar Markovic (thanks for nothing); Rhian Brewster (someone giving him bad advice).
Others: Divock Origi (big question mark here, preseason will be very important as to whether he gets another chance); Dominic Solanke (Klopp clearly likes him, his final game should do him a world of good confidence-wise); Danny Ings (backup – good for team chemistry); Ryan Kent (lost season, needs to pick back up in preseason and remind us why were so excited about him after the Bayern Munich friendly); Sheyi Ojo (was in a good way before his injury last season), then had some good and bad moments on loan with Fulham. Will be an important preseason for him); Taiwo Awoniyi (did well in Belgium this season).
Youth/Reserves: Rafa Camacho, Yan Dhanda
« Last Edit: May 14, 2018 05:19:59 pm by Robby The Z »
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