Football moves fast and facts that were true yesterday can simply become modern fiction in 24 hours.
Last season, Liverpool were known as the biggest club in the world that did not have any suitable (or decent) midfielders, and all the talk was about how defensively weak they were.
Now that the 2021/22 campaign is approaching, it can be argued that the Reds have the best backline options in the entire Premier League. No, it’s not an dig in Manchester United’s new signing Raphael Varane, but a call to look back at the 2019/20 campaign, when the Reds only conceded 33 goals all season.
Or how about the year before that, when they finished second with 97 points and only sent 22 goals in 38 games.
On the way into the new campaign, the usual rear four will return to full condition in the next few days and weeks, and together with the formidable four, a terrible fifth has joined the crew. Ibrahima Konate has arrived at Anfield on a £ 36m deal, and many at Merseyside are delighted to see what the former RB Leipzig man can offer.
The big question is, how does Jurgen Klopp fit them all? Would he dare to deviate far from his proven system? Could this bold 90min series work?
Game face on / Alex Livesey / Getty Images
No surprises here, as we start with the best goalkeeper in the Premier League. It’s no secret that Alisson Becker’s form declined last season, but there were many factors – both on and off the pitch – that contributed to his struggle.
However, the Brazilian will be back in top form and with the usual suspects (plus a new face) in front of him, he will return to England’s favorite brick wall.
Welcome back / Chloe Knott – Danehouse / Getty Images
WHAT?! WHERE IS FULLBACK ?! I hear your cries of panic, but I will politely ignore them and say that you should be patient. That’s right, we play a back three and to quote a Liverpool-supporting 90min colleague: “I do not hate it.”
High praise, really.
Joe Gomez, returning from a nightmare with a knee injury, sits to the right of this back line, and still takes advantage of the genius next to him and covers his painful teammates on that flank. His comfort in possession means he can carry the ball out of defense or start wider when his wingback pushes high up on the pitch. Are you interested? Good. Let’s continue.
Back to It / James Williamson – AMA / Getty Images
The big man is back! No ACL injury can keep Virgil van Dijk down, and we keep in mind that he will return to the side and continue where he left off. The Dutchman sits at the heart of this defense, handing out instructions and keeping everyone calm and loose goosebumps.
His absence last year was the main reason for Liverpool’s drastic drop-off, but with Van Dijk back on the sidelines, the Reds are not to be missed.
Andy Robertson with Liverpool’s new signing Ibrahima Konate?
(via jamesmilnerofficial / IG) pic.twitter.com/oWh2tGtcQH
– ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) July 27, 2021
Finally, we can talk about the big man. And when we say big man … my word! Konate is one centimeter taller than Van Dijk and completes one of the most terrifying and effective backlines in Europe.
The 22-year-old is ready for the step up from Leipzig to Liverpool, but he would surely settle down faster as part of a back three, where he gets more margin for error when he finds his feet as a young man in a new country. In time, he could become one of the best defenders in England – but give him time.
Ready to take the Premier League by storm / Gareth Copley / Getty Images
Here he is! In our eyes, it’s only a matter of time until Trent Alexander-Arnold turns completely into a non-defensive player, and this could be his first step into midfield. The right-back is known for his disgusting careful delivery and general moves that are often associated with wingers and attack wide men.
So, let’s put him further on the field with less defensive responsibilities and more protection behind. No flaws in this. In addition, if Klopp wants to change the game, he can simply move to a back four, put Gomez to the right of the defense and stop Alexander-Arnold in midfield. Watch him run in a riot in the “inner right Kevin de Bruyne” area.
No Release Captain / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty Images
Nothing to drop the captain, that’s for sure. Statistically, Liverpool win football matches much more regularly when Jordan Henderson is in midfield, so it would be an absolute loss of duty to leave him on the bench.
The England star is their leader, their heartbeat and the driving force when it gets tough. He sets the tone and the others follow. No matter what big name stars are left off the page, you can not lose Hendo from your starting line.
A key man in midfield / Gareth Copley / Getty Images
In addition to captain Henderson, we have chosen Fabinho, which means that there is no place in the midfield for Thiago Alcantara. Sorry, but there must be deaths, and the Spaniard’s absence is less consistent than for Hendo or Fab.
The Brazilian midfielder can add the extra layer of defensive protection and general control to the game, which is even more important when you move to a midfield two and possibly hand over the central power struggle. However, Fabinho’s value for this team can not be overloaded.
Rampaging wing-back / Sebastian Frej / MB Media / Getty Images
Finally, we have (when we stand next to Konate, anyway) Andy Robertson. Like Alexander-Arnold, the Scottish hill is an assistance machine, and when he is allowed to bomb defense with a cross, left flanker Sadio Mane is free to strut his stuff.
However, Robertson’s defensive work is far from bad, and he is generally one of the most complete defenders in the modern game. That said, I’m sure he would love an extra little license for suspense, sure in the knowledge that no one will get past Konate behind him.
Shot for goal / Alex Livesey / Getty Images
First name of the team magazine? He’s up there. Mohamed Salah sometimes carried Liverpool last season, even when those at the top of him hit some miserable form. However, we believe that he and his teammates will thrive in this new setting.
Salah is at his most dangerous when he runs behind or steps in and releases a shot on the dynamite’s left foot, and he gets space to do so with all eyes on Alexander-Arnold so high up on the pitch. Get him in your Fantasy Premier League teams, boys and girls.
False Nine Times / Soccrates Images / Getty Images
A controversial move, but possibly a case of pressure, but Diogo Jota replaces Roberto Firmino in attack. The Brazilian has just not lit the Premier League (except with the dazzling smile) for a while, and there is a feeling that this top three needs a new face.
Jota is the man who can provide that zip and energy, and his ability to play anywhere over the forward line means he can end up deep, point behind or connect games. Injuries stopped his incredible start in life in a Liverpool shirt, so here he hopes he can find the top from the start.
A superstar / Gareth Copley / Getty Images
Finally, we have Principal Mane. Last season was probably Mane’s worst in a Liverpool shirt, both in terms of performance and goal contribution. His form was undoubtedly affected by the adjustment to the system Klopp deployed, which saw Robertson hold back a touch to help the struggling midfielders.
That question would be far away in this formation – in fact, his form should hit new levels. Robertson’s constant attack threat would give Mane the space needed to attack, penetrate defense and get into goal scoring positions. It can not fail.
