Is this Liverpool’s Best Starting Eleven?

 We have all had our guesses regarding what the best XI is for liverpool, and when I write ‘we’, it includes  Dalglish as well. While it is a very positive sign and indicative of squad strength, performances so far  have indicated that although liverpool are definitely on the up, a little fine tuning is something our team  could do with.

Formation: Dalglish has experimented with various formations since his return, but there is one  particular one that has really stood out. It is the 4-2-3-1 formation that liverpool deployed when they  ran riot at craven cottage and blew Birmingham to smithereens. Defensively solid and relentless in  attack, I feel this is the formation liverpool should continue playing with this year. The salient features  were the two holding midfielders who didn’t contribute much in attack but worked like duracell bunnies  when it came to getting the ball back. Another important feature was the nominal wide players, who  kept  bombarding into the box instead of hugging the touchline, and it was this movement which tore  defences to shreds.

GK: Pepe Reina – No arguments required here

RB: Martin Kelly – Quite simply brilliant every time he has stepped onto the field for liverpool. Fast, strong, tireless, and pin point accuracy with his crosses.  He has a very deep back pocket I guess, where he has stored away some of the most lethal wingers and wing backs in the premier league when he has come up against them. A better crosser than Johnson, and light years ahead of him when it comes to defending, Kelly deserves his place ahead of him.

RCB: Martin Skrtel – Strong in the air, and he could probably lap Jamie Carragher in a 100 m race. Twice. While Carragher is a good experienced centre back, and can be an excellent back up option, its time for liverpool to change guard. Carragher has been responsible for two of three goals liverpool have conceded in the PL so far. The second especially showed his deficiencies where he was out muscled by Jon Walters, who was stronger and quicker than Carra. I am sure Skrtel with his no nonsense style and physical attributes would have dealt with it much more efficiently. Carra’s lack of pace also prevents liverpool from playing a high back line which would be useful for a high pressing game.

LCB: Daniel Agger: Calm, commanding, and has an excellent reading of the game. An automatic choice I am sure on every one’s team sheet

LB: Jose Enrique: Again, a straight forward choice. Aptly nicknamed ‘The Bull’ his pace and power are a joy to behold.

RCDM: Lucas Leiva- If liverpool are to play this formation, he is the centre piece, and has to be the first name on the team sheet. His discipline, stamina and relentless harrying and tackling will be key to making this formation work.

LCDM: Charlie Adam- He has definitely showed us what he is capable of, but I put him in here very hesitantly. As I mentioned earlier, central to making this formation work are the two DEFENSIVE midfielders. If Adam cannot inculcate the necessary discipline and develop the high work rate such a role requires, I would have no hesitation dropping him in favour of Jay Spearing, who played like terrier released off its leash last year, exactly what the position requires.

RWM: Stewart Downing- All his best moments so far for liverpool and England this season have come on the Right hand side. I know he was purchased to play wide left, but he has so far looked as uncomfortable as Garfield in a room of raisins on the left hand side. On the contrary he has been highly effective on the right hand side, both cutting inside and shooting, or going the other way and crossing.

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