What is Liverpool’s best XI for this season?

There has been a bit of debate throughout the last couple of months regarding Liverpool’s best XI for this season when everyone is fit and firing, and it is a great discussion to have.

For the first time in a long time, Liverpool have depth all across the pitch, which no doubt leaves some question marks regarding what is Liverpool’s best side.

I have had a go at naming my preferred XI when everyone is fit and firing.

Goalkeeper – Alisson

No real surprise here at all. He came in, for what at the time, was a world-record fee for a goalkeeper. That no doubt gives you an indication of the quality of player we signed to replace Loris Karius. The Brazilian, despite not having an awful amount to do, looked solid against West Ham United last weekend.

Right back – Trent Alexander-Arnold

The young lad was a little bit rusty against West Ham, but he still showed some really good signs despite having not really played any football for the past couple of months. Nathaniel Clyne has a fight on his hand to win back his spot. Alexander-Arnold simply offers more going forward, which gives him a distinct edge over Clyne.

Centre back – Dejan Lovren

The back four basically picks itself, but Lovren’s position will always be questioned by the majority of the fans. For the time being, this spot is very much his. He was excellent towards the end of last season for Liverpool, and he took that form into the World Cup. Joe Gomez was solid on the weekend, but he will have more to do if he is to convince Jurgen Klopp he deserves to play ahead of the Croatian.

Centre back – Virgil van Dijk

A colossus of a defender. There isn’t another central defender in the world I would want at Liverpool ahead of this guy. Our fortunes have completed turned around since his arrival.

Left back – Andrew Robertson

Crazy to think anyone doubted the Scot who was playing at Hull City before his arrival at Anfield. He has been an unbelievable recruit and is the left back we have been craving since the departure of John Arne Riise all those years ago.

Holding midfield – Fabinho

He may not have started on the weekend, but the Brazilian will become a regular in Klopp’s team. The first time since the days of Javier Mascherano, Liverpool have a midfielder who specialises in defending from the middle of the park.

READ: James Milner says others can talk up Liverpool’s title chances

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 7: Fabinho of Liverpool in the friendly match between Liverpool and Torino at Anfield on August 7, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Getty Images)

READ: Martin Keown full of praise for van Dijk – Gomez partnership 

Central midfield – Jordan Henderson

Despite many claiming he won’t be in Klopp’s starting side on a regular basis, I cannot see that being the case. He is the captain, and he was big in Liverpool getting to the Champions League final. One change I do expect to see in Henderson’s game this season is the fact that he will revert back to his box-to-box role he played ever so well in 2013-14, rather than playing in Fabinho’s position.

Central midfield – Naby Keita

I am struggling to remember a more convincing debut from a Liverpool in recent times. Everything we thought Keita was before his arrival, he showed he is exactly that last week against West Ham. Going to be everyone’s favourite player this time next year.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Naby Keita of Liverpool runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and West Ham United at Anfield on August 12, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Right wing – Mohamed Salah

He would have been delighted to start the season off with a goal. There is always that little bit more pressure come the second season, but he looks as if he won’t be slowing down.

Left wing – Sadio Mane

I think Mane could potentially be Liverpool’s most potent option in attack this season. He finished last season very strongly and was our best performer in the Champions League final. His two goals against West Ham last weekend were impressive.

Striker – Roberto Firmino

My favourite player. The perfect forward for the way Klopp likes to play his football. Daniel Sturridge will be a handy option from the bench, but it is difficult seeing him forcing Firmino out of the side.

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