I’ve seen so much negativity over the last couple of weeks. We’re not in for players we should be (even though I’ve never heard of most of them), we’re ’done for’ without Klopp, the team are past it, etc etc.
I’m however quite excited. We’ve got a really good squad with a nice spread of experience and youth. Would I like some new players? Of course I would, but only if a) they improve the team and b) they don’t upset the squad dynamics. We can’t be bringing in untried kids on £300k/week, for example.
So, what would be my starting eleven first the game against Ipswich?
Some obviously pick themselves, and their positions are obvious. Alisson obviously, Virgil at CB and Mo on the right. For the rest, however, there is some doubt. So here goes…
I’m going to start from the front and work backwards. Maybe I’ll surprise you with my ‘number 9’ choice. I’m going with Diogo Jota ahead of Darwin Nunez. Jota is so direct, and is a far better finisher than Darwin. We so missed Jota when he was injured. I’m not dismissing Nunez out of hand. Remember with five subs it’s a squad game now, and he can come on and wreak havoc later when defenders are tiring.
On the left, I’m giving Cody Gakpo a starting position. Did you see him in the Euros? He was so effective. Maybe not as beautiful on the eye as Luis Diaz in full flow, but I think as a pragmatist he’ll get the nod from me. I’m not even sure Diaz still wants to be at the club. Even if he does stay, his productivity is not all it should be given his talent.
So to midfield. We’ve got so much talent. I think in the DM position we’re possibly still lacking. Wataru Endo did brilliantly last year as a budget transfer, but he’s no Rodri. I’m hopeful that Stefan Bajcetic will rise to the occasion. The glimpses we’ve seen of him have been encouraging. He seems to have strengthened somewhat during the difficult last year he’s had. I’m going to give him his chance and start him, although as a youngster I can hardly expect him to play every game. Time for FSG to cough up maybe.
In front of Bajcetic I’ve got Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. I think some folk forget how amazing Dom was in the first half of the season. So much energy, and a real goal threat.
Mac Allister is only going to improve. He is an intelligent player, and those of you who have read my previous stuff know how I talk about ‘football IQ’. He is combative, forward-looking and a pleasure to watch.
My next in line would be Harvey Elliott. He gives everything, and knits the play together really well. I’m not quite sure he has the strength or extra yard of pace I’m looking for to start regularly. He’s ahead of Curtis Jones in my eyes. I’m not sure Curtis has progressed quite like I thought he might a couple of years ago. Neat and tidy, without making a massive difference on a regular basis.
At full-back position I’m going with the ‘old guard’, that being Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson. I think Robbo’s still top class, and has earned the chance to prove it. I’ll put Trent back where he belongs, at right-back. His ‘hybrid’ role did have some benefits, but tended to leave weakness on the right, which teams targeted. It wasn’t Trent’s fault, he couldn’t be in two places at once.
So there’s one place left. My left-sided centre-back berth goes to Jarrell Quansah, ahead of Ibou Konaté. He reminds me of a young Alan Hansen, so calm and comfortable carrying the ball forward in possession. I like Konate, but his play is limited compared to the potential of Quansah, and he does tend to give too many free-kicks away.
So there we have it! So much to be positive about. We’ve survived most of the summer with only two weeks to go before real football starts again! Let’s give Arne Slot the support he deserves. Not too many expectations, just enjoy the ride. It’ll be great being back in the Champions league where we belong.
