Reports in today’s Daily Mirror suggested that Christian Benteke could become Liverpool’s first-choice striker, following his imminent move from Aston Villa (via BBC), even after Daniel Sturridge has returned from injury.
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With Brendan Rodgers having splashed the cash on six – soon to be seven – players already this summer, the competition for places is likely to be fierce. In the list below, we discuss five of the biggest selection headaches that could currently be troubling (in a good way) our boss over the next twelve months.
Who would you pick in each of these circumstances? Let us know in the comment section at the bottom.
5) Alberto Moreno or Joe Gomez
Who would’ve thought ten days ago that we would be asking this question? However, contrasting fortunes during the first two weeks of our pre-season tour has left some suggesting that the teenager could get thrown straight in at the deep end. Gomez looked very good at left-back against Brisbane Roar, and also did well at right-back against the Thai All-Stars, while Moreno has sat out both games through injury. Considering the Spaniard’s indifferent first season at Anfield, could the former Charlton man make a surprise start against Stoke on opening day?
4) Dejan Lovren or Mamadou Sakho
Neither of these players stood out last season, but they’re likely to be competing against each other for the second centre-back spot alongside Martin Skrtel. Lovren’s main problem is his pace, which looks woefully short at the top level, and was something which was too often exposed last season. In contrast, Sakho needs to put a succession of injury issues behind him, while he also needs to stop giving the ball away in key areas. The Frenchman looks to be the favourite thus far, having done well in both pre-season games, but his spot in the team is still not assured.
3) Joe Allen, Lucas Leiva or Emre Can
Assuming that Brendan Rodgers pushes forward with his favoured 4-3-3 formation – with Jordan Henderson and James Milner the central pairing in the middle of the park – that leaves only the midfield anchor role to be filled. It will be taken by one of these three men, who all have their respective plus points and drawbacks. Allen has a lot of ability but hasn’t shown it consistently enough in a Liverpool shirt. Lucas has experience on his side but has struggled with injuries over the last couple of years. Can is still a relative unknown in midfield and hasn’t travelled with the tour squad due to international commitments; but his potential is virtually limitless.
2) Adam Lallana or Philippe Coutinho
This wouldn’t have even been up for debate a couple of weeks ago. However, Lallana’s scintillating form during pre-season – with two goals already to his name – has left many Liverpool fans scratching their heads and wondering where Brendan Rodgers is going to fit him in. Roberto Firmino, Lazar Markovic and Jordon Ibe are also likely to be part of this debate, with two of the quintet likely play as part of the front three, potentially behind or wide of Benteke. Coutinho and Firmino have missed pre-season, so it’s not unthinkable that Lallana will be one of the first names on the teamsheet against Stoke on day one.
1) Christian Benteke or Daniel Sturridge
With Benteke – as the BBC confirm – set to become our second most expensive signing of all time, you get the sense that he’s not going to be happy with a place sitting on the bench after Daniel Sturridge has come back from injury. The most obvious solution is to include both players, with Sturridge dropping deeper or playing out wide. However, with the likes of Lallana, Coutinho and Firmino already vying for places in the attacking midfield area, it could be even tougher for the England man to get in there. This is likely to be a head-to-head battle, with the loser having to make do with a spot in the cup games alongside Danny Ings and Divock Origi.
