There has always been more than a few willing to take a dig at this current Liverpool midfield, but the sum of the parts proved them all wrong this season.
Next season however could be very different.
Lallana's gone and Milner will have a much-reduced role (as per this past season) more often as a sub than a starter. I can also see Grujic (don't see a place for him - even more so if we do sign Thiago) & Shaq. onward bound too. Woodburn are Wilson both more than likely will not be involved this coming season.
That said 7 midfielders would be the right number for our squad. Will it be those seven below ?
Thiago
It seems the deal for Thiago could actually be a thing now with Bayern dropping (by €10m) their asking price from €40 million (£36.3m) to €30 million (£27.2m), with Liverpool supposedly only offering €25 million (£22.7m). That's possibly very close to the alleged Liverpool valuation and personal terms also supposedly agreed.
Klopp having been tight-lipped but not ruling out a move : “I have no idea who will play for me next year, there is nothing to say at the moment,” he said. “Thiago Alcantara is a great player, but also a Bayern Munich player. That’s actually all there is to say. There’s nothing to say!”
Gini
Negotiations are on-going on a new contract and it would be surprising if a new deal can not be agreed.
Fabinho
Fantastic before his injury, took a while to get going again and was superb again over the closing ⅓ of the season.
Along with Keita those two are likely to be the midfield staples.
Jurgen Klopp has predicted big things for Keita next season, and while he maintained the caveat of fitness, Van Dijk echoed this sentiment in his post-Newcastle interview with LFCTV.
Van Dijk labelled the No. 8 “world class,” having seen his quality on a consistent basis both in training and on the pitch. “I’m just very happy for Naby. Naby’s a fantastic guy,” he said, reflecting on the end of the season.“He works so hard and he’s an outstanding football player. We see it week in, week out.
“Unfortunately, he’s been unlucky with some injuries, but hopefully he can stay fully fit for the next season. “I think he’s world class, if I’m absolutely honest. I see all the moments when he has the ball, the smart moves, intelligence. “It’s just incredible to see, and I’m very happy for him.”
Hendo
Has has a great season. Probably better than anyone thought he was capable of. However competition will be tough next season and Hendo hits 30 yrs old. With injuries within the squad and at least 4 trophies to fight for (5 if you include the one-off Community Shield) there's no doubt he'll play a big part again - but there'll be a hugely intense battle for midfield starting slots, especially if we sign Thiago.
Ox.
Another that will be fighting for game time. Likely to be used exactly as he has been this season. Not the first name on the sheet but plenty of game time.
Jones
Looks to have deservedly established himself as a 1st Team squad player. He'll get plenty of game time, especially off the bench and in the domestic cup competitions.
Next season however could be very different.
Lallana's gone and Milner will have a much-reduced role (as per this past season) more often as a sub than a starter. I can also see Grujic (don't see a place for him - even more so if we do sign Thiago) & Shaq. onward bound too. Woodburn are Wilson both more than likely will not be involved this coming season.
That said 7 midfielders would be the right number for our squad. Will it be those seven below ?
Thiago
It seems the deal for Thiago could actually be a thing now with Bayern dropping (by €10m) their asking price from €40 million (£36.3m) to €30 million (£27.2m), with Liverpool supposedly only offering €25 million (£22.7m). That's possibly very close to the alleged Liverpool valuation and personal terms also supposedly agreed.
Klopp having been tight-lipped but not ruling out a move : “I have no idea who will play for me next year, there is nothing to say at the moment,” he said. “Thiago Alcantara is a great player, but also a Bayern Munich player. That’s actually all there is to say. There’s nothing to say!”
Gini
Negotiations are on-going on a new contract and it would be surprising if a new deal can not be agreed.
Fabinho
Fantastic before his injury, took a while to get going again and was superb again over the closing ⅓ of the season.
Along with Keita those two are likely to be the midfield staples.
Jurgen Klopp has predicted big things for Keita next season, and while he maintained the caveat of fitness, Van Dijk echoed this sentiment in his post-Newcastle interview with LFCTV.
Van Dijk labelled the No. 8 “world class,” having seen his quality on a consistent basis both in training and on the pitch. “I’m just very happy for Naby. Naby’s a fantastic guy,” he said, reflecting on the end of the season.“He works so hard and he’s an outstanding football player. We see it week in, week out.
“Unfortunately, he’s been unlucky with some injuries, but hopefully he can stay fully fit for the next season. “I think he’s world class, if I’m absolutely honest. I see all the moments when he has the ball, the smart moves, intelligence. “It’s just incredible to see, and I’m very happy for him.”
Hendo
Has has a great season. Probably better than anyone thought he was capable of. However competition will be tough next season and Hendo hits 30 yrs old. With injuries within the squad and at least 4 trophies to fight for (5 if you include the one-off Community Shield) there's no doubt he'll play a big part again - but there'll be a hugely intense battle for midfield starting slots, especially if we sign Thiago.
Ox.
Another that will be fighting for game time. Likely to be used exactly as he has been this season. Not the first name on the sheet but plenty of game time.
Jones
Looks to have deservedly established himself as a 1st Team squad player. He'll get plenty of game time, especially off the bench and in the domestic cup competitions.
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