Liverpool are one of those sides who never seem to get a real run of injury free football.
Their squad is large but has had to deal with constant injuries to important players over the last few years. They have 10 crocked right now and that’s the highest number in The Premier League.
The perfect examples are Daniel Sturridge and Jon Flanagan. We think that both are not only first team starters but, had they been fit, they would have helped this current Liverpool incarnation develop and reach full maturity.
Now Liverpool have Joe Gomez and Danny Ings on the sidelines long term and it must be highly frustrating for new head coach Jurgen Klopp.
Thankfully everyone but Ings, Flanagan and Gomez should be back, or close to a return, by the time the international break is over.
So how is Liverpool’s team shaping up under Klopp? And what is the best XI?
We think that the back 5 is currently picking itself. The only real point of contention is whether to go for Lovren or Skrtel alongside the vastly improved Sakho. We are going for the experience of Skrtel.
We think that Henderson and Milner represent an excellent, industrious and solid midfield.
And, up top, Liverpool have options.
Roberto Firmino hasn’t yet come to the boil but he will surely adjust given more time. And, in terms of current impact, Daniel Sturridge always does damage when he is fit. Christian Benteke has proven his worth already and has to start. And Coutinho would stroll straight into this team even on a bad day.
This means that the excellent Jordan Ibe, Adam Lallana and Emre Can miss the cut for now in our strongest XI. Here it is.
Liverpool fans: Does Firmino currently get in your best XI?
