How are Liverpool likely to line-up after the summer transfer window?

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It is early in the summer, but Liverpool are already looking like they will have one of the most exciting teams next season. They have completed two transfers to date in Dominic Solanke and Mohamed Salah. Only the latter is likely to be a starter, but both are mobile forwards who work hard for the team.

Jurgen Klopp is trying to coach a very fluid system that requires players to have these attributes. The Reds will look to press from the front and be clinical when a counter-attacking opportunity arises. Last season, they often played a 4-3-3 system, but that may change in August when the new campaign kicks off. Here is how they could line-up on the opening weekend if they get their transfer targets signed:

Towards the end of the 2016/17 season, Klopp changed to a fluid 4-4-2 diamond formation and the players that he is targeting this summer suggest that he wants to continue using this system. Simone Mignolet finished the season strongly and there is no reason to believe that he won’t be the club’s number one in August. The Belgian made fewer errors after being reinstated and there have been few goalkeepers linked to the club in a serious manner. That bodes well for him.

If Liverpool want to be a serious title contender, then they will need to strengthen at right-back. However, that doesn’t seem to be a position for this summer, therefore Nathaniel Clyne is likely to keep his starting place. He is not a bad player, but he doesn’t excel in either half of the pitch.

One of the centre-backs will be Joel Matip as he proved himself to be a very good defender during his debut campaign. Liverpool will be hoping that he pushes on to the next level with the added pressure of Champions League football. His partner is unclear, as the Reds are in the market for another centre-back. Although they have apologised for their conduct over Virgil van Dijk, and the Daily Mail report that they remain in the frame for the defender. It could be that the Dutchman turns up at Anfield yet, but it is a deal that will stretch on until the closing days of the window.

A new left-back is also likely as it would be brave to enter the Champions League with a midfielder playing in the position. There are targets that the club are prioritising, but they could reignite their interest in Andrew Robertson. He is a good young player with lots of potential, while his work rate and determination would suit Klopp’s style well. The player wants a move to Anfield, according to the Mirror, and it would make sense for all parties if one materialised.

The base of the midfield will be taken up by Emre Can. There are few more talented ball players that also possess the German’s physique and he would be perfect for the role in front of the back four. Klopp likes the midfielder a lot and he is likely to develop into one of the leading players in his position over the coming years.

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Playing in front of him will be two box-to-box midfielders. They will be given the freedom to roam, but Klopp will expect them to work hard defensively to ensure his side aren’t caught out at the back. Naby Keita is perfect for such a role and he is one of the key targets for the Reds this summer. If they manage to sign him, he could transform them into title contenders.

The other box-to-box role will likely be given to Philippe Coutinho. Although this will be deeper than many expect him to play, the system is fluid and he will be the main creative force in the side, operating behind the three forwards when the side is attacking. To thrive in the role, he will need to improve his defensive contribution, but Klopp will back the Brazilian to do that.

The attacking midfield position will be played by Roberto Firmino, but in truth, the role will be more equivalent to the false nine, a position that the Brazilian has already mastered. Out of possession, it will be a 4-4-2 diamond, with Firmino at the tip due to his defensive work rate.

There are few harder workers in the league and his pressing does give Liverpool something extra when he is on the pitch. However, in possession of the ball, it will transform into a 4-3-3 with the two strikers splitting to allow Firmino to exploit spaces around the penalty area. His movement is superb and he possesses the intelligence to do well in this role.

Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah will be the two forwards in this formation, as they are both quick and capable of making clever runs in behind the opposition defence. They will be asked to run the channels to create space in the centre for the likes of Coutinho and Firmino. However, it will be difficult to predict their movement as they could also run directly in behind.

Although this is speculative in terms of personnel and style, this does appear to be the system that Klopp is building towards. The fluidity will be exciting to watch and make it difficult for opposition teams to prepare to face them. Last season, Liverpool were great to watch, but they were still a long way from the team that their coach wants them to be. If they sign the targets that they are pursuing, they will be even better next year, maybe even title contenders.

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