Centre-backs
Martin Skrtel
Skrtel needs to prove he can maximise the ability of his defensive partner and form a solid, automatically picked centre-back pairing. He’s signed his new contract and he’ll be Rodgers’ first-choice, but it’s no good him playing well if his lack of communication at the back damages the performances of Lovren or Sakho alongside him. He’s in his 30s now, and needs to provide the cool, experienced head at the back we’ve lacked since Carragher’s departure. Interestingly, Skrtel’s season will almost be judged on how well his fellow defenders do, as we know what to expect from the Slovakian by now.
Dejan Lovren
It’s now or never for the £20m Croat, in truth. So poor was his debut season, that many Liverpool fans have already written him off, while some are only willing to give him another chance because of the inflated price-tag he arrived with. Firstly, Lovren needs to sort out his confidence issues. Time and time again last term he looked petrified and made confused defensive decisions which led directly to opposition goals. If selected, Lovren needs to take charge of the defence like he did for Southampton. He needs to be vocal and composed. One of the traits we signed him for was his ability on the ball, but again – last year his passing was poor. We’re actually not too bothered about seeing his ‘classy’ defensive characteristics, provided he gets back to basics. With Lovren – you feel his issue is a mental one. We can’t see him actually starting the season, but with four competitions to play, he’ll get chances – and needs to start repaying the faith Rodgers has put in him.
Mamadou Sakho
Stay fit. If Sakho does this, he’s our best centre-back. It’s occasionally not pretty to watch, but the Frenchman is physically outstanding, aerially exceptional and can pass a ball, too. Like Skrtel though, Sakho needs to prove a better defensive communicator. He must also cut out the occasional lunged, defensive decision – that can give away fouls or leave him out of position.
Kolo Toure
To carry on providing an experienced head in the dressing room, and a solid backup option should injuries take their toll at any point during the campaign.
Tiago Ilori
Ilori wasn’t taken on pre-season tour, and what we’d deem a successful season for the Portuguese is to show Rodgers during a loan spell at a Premier League club that he’s ready for this league. If Ilori shines at a mid-table club, surely he’ll finally get his chance next season – though we wouldn’t blame the player if he demanded an exit having never been given a single minute since his 2013 arrival.
