Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Samuel Lovett

From Naby Keita to Mohamed Salah: How will Liverpool line up this season?

Having patched up their backline – and finally brought in a world-class goalkeeper – Liverpool bear all the hallmarks of a Premier League-winning side. The question, now, is whether Jurgen Klopp‘s men will be able to go toe-to-toe with the Manchester City juggernaut.

Liverpool may have unlocked the secrets to actually beating Pep Guardiola‘s side – doing so on three separate occasions last season – but they ultimately failed to match City for their consistency across the 2017/18 campaign. 

But after their Champions League exploits and an encouraging transfer window, the Merseyside club are riding a wave of optimism and renewed self-belief. This mental recalibration should prove to be the final piece of the puzzle for Liverpool, allowing them to deliver throughout the months ahead. A two-horse race between Klopp’s side and City seems the most likely prospect this season – but will Liverpool have enough to emerge triumphant?

Looking at their team, there’s no reason the Reds won’t come close. Liverpool now boast world-class talent across the pitch, with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Alisson notable stand-outs. The likes of Naby Keita and Fabinho remain unknown entities and only time will tell how they fare in the Premier League.

Jordan Henderson, meanwhile, returns to action after a hugely impressive World Cup in Russia. The midfielder was simply sublime, controlling England’s performances with his range of passing and composure on the ball. Following such a mature campaign, Liverpool fans are right to hope Henderson can take it to another level this season.

Without a doubt this is one of Liverpool’s strongest squads in recent years – so will they make it count when it matters most?

See the gallery below for our starting XI:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.