Liverpool are off to a flying start in 2023/24 – but what is the strongest starting line-up now available to Jurgen Klopp?
With six wins from seven, Liverpool are enjoying an excellent start to the season.
The Reds sit second in the Premier League table following their 3-1 victory at home to West Ham United on Sunday. That came on the back of another 3-1 success, at LASK, which ensured Jurgen Klopp’s side got their Europa League campaign up and running in style.
With summer signings Alexis Mac Allister and – particularly – Dominik Szoboszlai settling in straight away, and with more to come from Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo, the decision to refresh the Reds’ squad in the summer is certainly reaping early dividends.
But with options right across the pitch – but especially so in midfield and in attack – just what is Liverpool boss Klopp’s best side?
Paul Gorst: With a front five that is the envy of the Premier League, the big question is just what constitutes Liverpool’s strongest forward line right now?
In-form Darwin Nunez has to lead line given his current performances, while Luis Diaz offers something totally different to Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo on the left of the attack. Mohamed Salah, naturally, starts down the right. It will be fascinating to see how many goals the forwards finish with collectively this season. The Reds have already registered 18.
In midfield, Thiago Alcantara is becoming something of the forgotten man at Anfield given he hasn’t played for nearly six months. His last start, by the way, was way back in February. At his bewitching best, though, there is surely not a finer midfielder in the ranks, so if Liverpool were playing in the Champions League final (or should that be Europa League?) next week and everyone was fit, Thiago makes my team.
I’d put the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich at the base of the midfield, freeing up the talented Alexis Mac Allister to play further forward alongside Dominik Szoboszlai, who has made a sensational start to Liverpool life. Thiago may not offer the most robust protection to the defence but Klopp is not blessed with a world-class holding midfielder and the 32-year-old is the most gifted on the ball.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Thiago, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.
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When looking at midfield, it is hard to argue. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister only arrived in summer but are already essential cogs in the machine.
The Hungary star can run all day and outsprint virtually anyone. Allied to his excellent technique, that sheer physical dominance is a truly dangerous weapon. And while Mac Allister is still finding his feet and covering in a tricky, deeper position, his quality is there for all to see.
They both walk into my strongest XI – and Curtis Jones is currently with them. His level soared at the end of last term and he has carried that into the current campaign with the minimum of fuss.
Long term there is still a need for a more defensive presence in the engine room. Klopp and his recruitment team must tick that box sooner rather than later. But when you look at defence and attack – it is clear Liverpool had a very strong platform to build on already.
The best backline is relatively simple to select. Alisson in goal, with Trent-Alexander Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson ahead of him.
Up front, it is very hard to shift the deadly combination of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz. The Uruguay international has really hit his stride with changes behind the scenes and his Newcastle brace lighting a spark. Yet the beauty now is that Liverpool have an entire second string capable of coming in for the ‘first choice’ men on an almost man-for-man basis.
It may be ‘year one’ for ‘Liverpool 2.0’ in some respects. But there are plenty of experienced ‘1.0’ winners in this squad who look re-energised and ready to add to the medals they have already won at Anfield.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.
Joe Rimmer: Liverpool might be in the early stages of Jurgen Klopp’s ‘reloaded’ era, but the Reds boss is already spoiled for choice when it comes to his starting XI.
And there are dilemmas to solve right across the pitch when it comes to picking a strongest side.
It’s often a horses for courses approach, of course, and areas of the team could change significantly based on the opposition and even playing home or away, but if Liverpool were playing in a cup final tomorrow? I’ve no doubt in my mind what my team would be.
Alisson is obviously a starter, as are three of the back four in Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk. Joe Gomez has enjoyed a promising start to the season and Joel Matip reminded us of his quality against West Ham, but Ibrahima Konate is – if fit – the future of that defence and his all round game sees him take up the final spot.
In midfield, I’m convinced of Alexis Mac Allister’s quality, if not his position, but without a defensive specialist and with Wataru Endo yet to get to grips, I’d play him deepest with Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones either side. Those three are tactically flexible and for those with doubts about Jones, well you might want to ask his manager why he keeps picking him. His ability to keep possession and start the press on the left is telling.
If Thiago was fully fit for any length of time we might be having a different conversation, but he hasn’t been and Liverpool have adapted to a different line-up in his absence.
Up front, Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah have the wing positions nailed down and any lingering questions about Darwin Nunez disappear by the week. Put simply, Liverpool look a more dangerous team with him in it. Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota can both consider themselves incredibly unlucky.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.
