Liverpool are closing in on their third signing of the summer window as Jurgen Klopp’s spending creeps over £110 million.
The Reds have attempted to bolster their midfield with the signing of Wataru Endo from Stuttgart and he could well be drafted straight into the Reds’ starting XI. Klopp has been on the hunt for a natural defensive midfielder following the surprise exits of both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
It’s unlikely Liverpool’s business will stop there. Regardless, with a couple of weeks to go until the end of the transfer window and with Klopp finally filling a major gap in his squad, Liverpool can already field an extremely impressive starting XI:
Starting in goal and the Reds are sure to stick with regular number one Alisson Becker. The Brazilian has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia over recent days but Liverpool are taking a firm stance on his future. He has continually shone throughout his Anfield tenure and has proven to be one of the most consistent stoppers in world football.
Elsewhere, Klopp’s first-choice back four is also pretty well set. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson are some of the most productive fullbacks in the Premier League and will no doubt be stationed on either flank.
Ibrahima Konate has also won the battle between himself and Joel Matip, and will partner captain Virgil van Dijk, who has had a transformative effect on the side since his arrival from Southampton. It gets slightly trickier moving into midfield.
Klopp looked set to have a whole host of new options to call upon with the Reds previously interested in moves for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia. However, both of the pair have turned down switches to Anfield in favour of transfers to opening day opponents Chelsea.
Nevertheless, Liverpool’s midfield still looks set to be assembled of a trio of new arrivals. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister were both signed earlier this summer from RB Leipzig and Brighton respectively.
Both also started the 1-1 draw with Chelsea last weekend so are highly likely to figure in Klopp’s thinking for the rest of the campaign. They will be joined by Endo at the base of midfield who is set to complete a move from Bundesliga side Stuttgart.
Both Mac Allister and Szoboszlai will be aiming to create opportunities for a host of Liverpool’s talented attackers. After scoring against Chelsea on the opening weekend, Luis Diaz will hope to play a huge role this season after overcoming his injury issues.
Diogo Jota has been a trusted custodian of Klopp’s since his arrival from Wolves and is more than good enough to assume the central attacking role this season. Mohamed Salah has regularly been one of the top scoring players in the Premier League and is one of the first names on the teamsheet for the Reds – to the dismay of any opposition players.
Those decisions would see Dutch forward Cody Gakpo left out. He was named in midfield last time out but appears unlikely to find a route past more natural options so takes his place on the bench.
Uruguayan hitman Darwin Nunez is also left out of Klopp’s dream XI in a call that is potentially harsh on him given his sparkling form in pre-season.
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Diaz, Salah, Jota.
