How Should Liverpool FC Lineup Next Season?

The big marquee signing every Liverpool FC fan has been craving has finally been made. Since probably the signing of Luis Suarez no player has excited the Merseyside fan base as much as the very latest news of Roberto Firmino. The Brazilian is currently on international duty for his country but swift negotiations enabled Liverpool close the deal in a short span of time. Firmino is the 5th signing made by Liverpool this window and one that makes a significant statement of intent too.

With Milner, Ings, Bogdan and Gomez already on their way to Melwood, it would be good to take a look at how Liverpool could lineup next season.

Ideally, it would be interesting to see if Brendan Rodgers decides to bring back the 4-4-2 diamond formation. Clyne is a reported target for RB to fill the slot vacated by Glen Johnson but Liverpool will also have the services of Andre Wisdom and Jon Flanagan next season. The heart of their defence had problems for most of last season. Countless partnerships were tried, some out of tactical decisions, some due to injuries – yet none seemed to work. The LB slot is occupied by Moreno who showed glimpses of his obvious potential but will need to work on his game defensively to become an automatic starter.

With Milner virtually guaranteed a starting spot alongside current vice captain Jordan Henderson which two would make the remaining spots in the first XI. Ideally with the work rate of the English duo it would be good see the creativity that the newly formed Brazilian pair of Coutinho and Firmino bring. The four in midfield would have to mean either Henderson or Milner would have to sit in front of the back four, a role that neither have played regularly before. Can, you may argue, is the best fit for the role apart from Lucas Leiva and the former Bayern man has been earning rave reviews for his performance at the on-going Euro U-21s. Firmino would be the one spearheading the diamond with Coutinho in slightly behind his compatriot. The plus point have a Milner-Henderson-Coutinho-Firmino midfield is that it would mean a tireless press for 90 minutes.

Ronaldinho was quoted saying, “If you can’t score goals as a striker in a team with Coutinho and Firmino in midfield then you won’t score goals in any team.”

The likes of Sturridge, Origi, Balotelli, Ings would all be licking their lips at the prospect of playing with two Brazilians setting them up. Liverpool are also in the market for another striker but Sturridge will be a starter if he’s fit. The 2nd slot well that’s anyone’s guess! (Bacca maybe?)

Ideal 4-4-2 Diamond lineup:

Mignolet-Clyne-Skrtel-Sakho-Moreno-Milner-Henderson-Firmino-Coutinho-Sturridge-Origi/Bacca

If it’s not the return of the coveted diamond LFC could also bring back the 4-3-3 from early last season. The back line would eventually remain the same while the changes may occur in the midfield and forward areas. The midfield trio could comprise of Can-Henderson-Milner especially in games that Liverpool would want to keep it tight in.

The front three would in all likelihood involve Coutinho-Sturridge-Firmino. The thought of playing those three would leave defenses feeling a little dizzy. There aren’t too many attacks that boast of a better front three in the PL at the moment. It would also suit the players currently at the club with the likes of Lallana, Markovic and Ibe getting a go every once in a while or in the case of an injury.

Ideal 4-3-3 lineup:

Mignolet-Clyne-Skrtel-Sakho-Moreno-Can-Henderson-Milner-Coutinho-Sturridge-Firmino