This article will come in three parts due to the vast array of squad players at Liverpool’s disposal. The first aspect will focus on the Goalkeeping and Defensive positions that will need filling and which players within the large squad will be considered as back up to the first choice players in the aforementioned positions. Reasons will also be cited behind my choices, which of course can be debated and argued against.
The one position in the team which I think every Liverpool fan can agree on that is not up for grabs is that of Goalkeeper. Since Rafael Benitez Benitez snapped up “Pepe” Reina back in 2005, he alongside Steven Gerrard has been the mainstays of the team. Reina’s consistency particularly came to prominence in the troubled final year of Rafa’s reign when he produced a string of match winning saves against Spurs and Villa.
He has broken many records as keeper of Liverpool winning the Premier League golden glove three years out of five as well as cementing his reputation as one of the best keepers in the business. His position is unlikely to come under threat via recent acquisition Doni, the Brazilian just signed on a free transfer from Roma as understudy to Reina.
The full back positions have dogged Liverpool for many years. Signing Glen Johnson has been somewhat of a poisoned chalice due to his inconsistency and weakness at defending. Whilst going forward he is a potent threat, often is the case that he finds himself in tied knots marking players. He will be the first choice right back under Kenny Dalglish, but will face stiff competition from two fresh faced youngsters who have emerged from the academy breathing a new lease of life within the squad.
Martin Kelly will be considered back up to the England international with his buccaneering raids down the right flank. There is also the possibility of John “Flanno” Flanagan figuring in King Kenny’s plans after the great impression he made towards the tail end of last season, producing courageous performances not only at right back but at times at the left back position illustrating his skills as a utility player.
5-4-1 formation: Goal k(Reina), Right WB(Johnson), Carra, Kelly, Agger, Left WB ?, Holding M(Lucas), WM(Suarez), CM(Gerard), LM(Downining), CF(Carroll)
Subs: Skrtel, Flanno, Soto, Robinson, Kyut, Aquillani, Adam, Mereiles, Maxi.
I think that Skrtel is far to over rated. Agger would be a cert if he could keep fit. Carra as much as i love him, Maybe it’s time to bring some youth through if we are going to win the league. I just can’t see it with carra being 35?? now. My team would be.
GK – Reina
RB – flanno
LB – Aurellio (if he can keep fit)
CB – Kelly
CB – Agger
RM – Johnson
LM – Downing
CM – Gerrard
CM – Henderson
FW – Suarez
FW – Carrol
Bench – Done, Skrtel, Robinson, Kuyt, Mereles, Adam, Maxi
I think your deployment of Johnson on the right wing is ideal and the most logical solution. Obviously when fit Carragher will start so the first question is, who is a better right back Flanagan or Kelly? Then Skrtel would join Carragher as centre back and Agger as left back. Also it is crazy to not include Lucas even on the bench as his potential as a defensive midfielder is unlimited therefore it seems using a midfield rotational system is the only answer.
if liverpool really wanna scare their opponents ,then our line up should be piercing with a scary 4.4..2 formation squad.. really typical.
REINA
KELLY CARRA SKRTEL JOHNSON
HENDERSON GERRARD ADAMS DOWNING
KUYT SUAREZ.
subs:
mereilles,carrol, Agger, maxi.
my defence:
LB: Kelly
CB: Carra
CB: Agger
LB: New recruit (failing which, Jonhson)
I meant RB: Kelly
REINA(GK)
LUIS ENRIQUE(LB) CARRA(CB) AGGER(CB) JOHNSON(RB)
MEIRELES (DM)
DOWNING(LM) ADAMS(CM) GERRARD(CM) KUYT(RM)
SUAREZ(CF)
FORMATION – 4-1-4-1
SUBS:-
HENDERSON (CM)
CARROLL (CF)
LUCAS (DM)
MAXI (AM)
SKRTEL (CB)
KELLY – (RB)
JOE COLE (CM)
AURELIO (LB)
DONI (GK)
Reina
Kelly Skrtel Agger Johnson
Meireles Lucas Gerrard
Suarez Carroll Downing
Subs: Doni, Carragher, Henderson, Adam, Cole, Maxi, Kuyt.
can’t believe the fuss over signing a left back. play johnson there and kelly at right back. kelly’s too good to sit on the bench. robinson and aurelio are good back up. don’t waste money on enrique.