After a difficult season, Brendan Rodgers will be desperate to make sure that his dealings in the transfer market this summer don’t garner the same level of criticism as he got this year.
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However, the Northern Irishman is under pressure to reproduce a squad of the same quality that came so close to clinching the title last year. Luckily for Rodgers, we arguably already have the spine of a side that could challenge our rivals, so as long as he makes the right additions, we could be on the cusp of winning our first Premier League crown.
Here is the eleven that could arguably go all the way for us next season:
GK- Simon Mignolet
The Belgian endured a difficult time this season, but is starting produce some fine form. If a better option can be added as a back-up to give Mignolet some real competition, then we may see the best of him week in, week out.
CB- Emre Can
Can has probably been our best defender since his move from Bayer Levekusen last summer. At just 21, he has got so much scope for improvement as well.
CB- Martin Skrtel
We have definitely looked much more assured when the Slovakian has been available. It’s fair to say that he would not have stood for the humiliation at Arsenal earlier in the month. Now over 30, he needs to lead the defence, and provide some stability.
CB- Mamadou Sakho
He has received a lot of criticism for some shaky moments this season, however he has got a lot of talent, so if he can develop a solid understanding alongside Can and Skrtel, he will prove a lot of his doubters wrong.
RM- Jordon Ibe
The 19-year-old has been exciting when he has been available for us, so hopefully a prolonged run in the team will give him the opportunity to show why he is so highly-rated.
CM- Jordan Henderson
If there were any doubts about how we would cope without Steven Gerrard, they have surely now disappeared thanks to the leadership displayed by Henderson. Our player of the month for March has excelled when given the captain’s armband.
CM- Javier Pastore
According to talkSPORT, the attacking midfielder is yet to be offered a new deal at current club Paris Saint-Germain, meaning that with his deal due to expire at the end of next season, he could available this summer. TalkSPORT report that we are one of the clubs interested, should PSG decide to let him go. He would provide us with the flair that we have sometimes lacked in the middle of the park.
LM- Raheem Sterling
Sterling maybe hasn’t been as effective when played out wide, nor has his behaviour been exactly exemplary lately. However, there is no question that his presence on the pitch – as the win over Newcastle proved – makes us a better team. His wonderful solo goal against the Magpies showed that he has the ability make something happen.
AM- Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian has taken the mantle as our talisman, and he has run with it lately. There would be few that could argue that he has been our player of the season, and he has been rewarded by being one of the players shortlisted for the PFA Player of the Year award. If he can continue that form, he will be winning points on his own, much like Luis Suarez did at times.
AM- Oscar
The Daily Mail reported earlier this week that the Chelsea man could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge this summer, and that we are monitoring the situation. There aren’t many players currently in the Premier League, or the world for that matter, with as much talent as the Brazilian. Linking up with his countryman just behind the striker could produce something very special.
ST- Daniel Sturridge
By his own admission, it has been a difficult season for the England striker(via the Daily Mirror). Injuries have prevented him rediscovering his finest form, but if he can avoid any future knocks, he could be as lethal as any other Premier League marksman.