What is Liverpool’s strongest XI when everybody is fit and firing?

Liverpool returned to Premier League action with aplomb at the weekend, drubbing Manuel Pellegrini’s West Ham 4-0 at Anfield thanks to a brace from Sadio Mané and further strikes from Mohamed Salah and Daniel Sturridge sealing all three points.

The performance was safe, solid, assured, dynamic and aesthetic to say the least – and that was with Jürgen Klopp fielding a starting XI that perhaps raised one or two eyebrows among some fans.

Gini Wijnaldum and James Milner both grasped the opportunity to be first choice with both hands by putting in stellar performances, while Joe Gomez also did well at centre back in the absence of Dejan Lovren, Ragnar Klavan and Joel Matip. Daniel Sturridge’s goalscoring cameo from the bench also gives Klopp food for thought; especially considering the England international’s impressive displays during pre-season.

Some of these changes were enforced upon Klopp due to injuries, but some were just selection choices. So what does Klopp do if he’s given a fully fit squad to choose from? Who makes the cut and who misses out? I’ve given it my best shot below, but this has not been an easy task…

Goalkeeper – Alisson Becker

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DUBLIN, IRELAND – AUGUST 04: Alisson Becker of Liverpool during the international friendly game between Liverpool and Napoli at Aviva Stadium on August 4, 2018 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

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Although I’ve just said that this is a tough task, this is arguably the easiest position to pick. Alisson arrived for a short-lived world record fee of £66 million for a goalkeeper in the summer before Chelsea signed Kepa, and the assurance he already seems to have given fans can’t be understated. He looks assured with his feet, his distribution, his shot-stopping ability: it seems Liverpool are onto a winner here following Loris Karius’ ill-fated spell as Klopp’s number one.

Right back – Trent Alexander-Arnold

What an 18 months this lad has had. Nailing down the right back spot for his hometown club, going to the World Cup with England, appearing in a Champions League final – it doesn’t get too much better. While Trent is still very young, he shows great maturity on the ball and good defensive discipline. What sets him apart from Nathaniel Clyne is perhaps his attacking prowess, with his vision and range of passing enviable, and he provides a genuine threat down the right. Not to say that Clyne doesn’t, it’s just that Trent’s threat is greater.

Centre back – Virgil van Dijk

Need we say too much more than his name? The Dutchman has revolutionised the Liverpool defence since his arrival from Southampton with his organisation, stature, power and calm nature. Liverpool’s centre back colossus was well worth the £75 million price tag and keeps getting better and better. He just needs a slightly better partner at times, I think.

Centre back – Dejan Lovren

Now, some may argue that Joe Gomez deserves this spot, but I just feel that Lovren’s experience and growing partnership with Virgil could just help him edge it here. Yes, we all know that he has self-destructive tendencies sometimes, but his form in the past 12 months has largely been very good, assured even. I don’t think it’ll be long before someone usurps him, though; whether that be Gomez or a new face entirely remains to be seen.

Left back – Andrew Robertson

Perhaps the best £8million Liverpool have ever spent. Robertson came in to challenge the much-maligned Alberto Moreno for a spot at left back, and many were confused when he didn’t seem to be getting a chance. But an unfortunate injury for Moreno gifted Robertson his chance – and he hasn’t looked back since. The left back slowly grew into the role and has now become a pivotal member of the team, which quite frankly isn’t the same without him.

Midfield – Jordan Henderson

Here’s where it gets tricky, the midfield. Klopp has a plethora of options available to him, all of which possess slightly different skill sets, making choosing just three of them really tricky.

However, for me, our captain is a vital cog in the machine. Henderson’s distribution, drive and authority can sometimes be found missing in the Liverpool midfield, and there were times during his injuries in the past few seasons where his influence was genuinely missed.

Now, in the absence of Emre Can, Henderson will most likely be paired in midfield with two more attack minded players, which I think will help his game as well, giving him more options to pick passes to going forward. Although the ever-brilliant James Milner runs the skipper very close, Henderson just gets the nod for me.

Midfield – Naby Keita

The arrival of this man has been long awaited and much anticipated, and his debut against West Ham gaves Reds a glimpse as to what he’s capable of. Hard working defensively, robust in the tackle, finding himself space all of the time in dangerous areas, making dynamic runs forward, incredible dribbling – the lad’s got it all.

Keita seems to have settled in very well to life on Merseyside, and his role in the team already seems pretty set, so he can only get better… can’t he?

Midfield – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Sunday, January 14, 2018: Liverpool’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain celebrates scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Remember him? I think it’s very easy to forget Chamberlain’s importance as we know that he is going to be injured for probably most of this season, but he was one of the stand-out performers of the second half of last season. His form made it even more heart-breaking to see him pick up such a serious injury against Roma in the Champions League semi-final.

Once he’s back and fully fit though, I think he walks into the Liverpool team. He’s similar to Keita in a sense that he’s a quality all-rounder and has all of the ingredients to make a difference in games. He also struck up a great understanding with Salah, providing him with a number of assists as the season drew to a close.

Forward – Mohamed Salah

Need I say any more? The Egyptian King is the Liverpool talisman and brings so much more than goals to the team. Liverpool are a different team without him.

Forward – Roberto Firmino

SEVILLE, SPAIN – Tuesday, November 21, 2017: Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino celebrates scoring the first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group E match between Sevilla FC and Liverpool FC at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Arguably the most complete centre forward in world football, Firmino has established himself as a constant in the Liverpool side since Klopp’s arrival in October 2015. Life didn’t quite start off so well under Brendan Rodgers, but that’s a distant memory now.

He’s another player Liverpool can ill afford to live without for prolonged periods – plus his celebrations are boss.

Forward – Sadio Mané

His celebrations are also boss because he loves imitating Firmino – but this man is as vital, and perhaps more overlooked, than both Bobby and Mo.

Many (myself included) questioned his £34million transfer fee he Klopp secured his services from Southampton, but he has proved more than well worth it. He hit the ground running with a stunning debut goal against Arsenal and hasn’t looked back since.

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