Liverpool Football Formation

Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Choosing this Liverpool team certainly proved to be a headache, which I believe is not only a testament to the amount of quality we’ve had over the years, but also the amount of formations we have used with mixed success. I did choose my team, was very happy with it, then in the very last moment changed it again. So, without any more waffle I will explain my final choice. My formation ultimately was decided by the success we have had over the last 2 years under Klopp and the free-flowing exciting football we’ve played with it. The 3/5 players at the back that are the same as our current line-up I feel no explanation. I think if you look at what could be improved at the moment most would argue with that Van Dijk’s partner is uncertain, with Gomez and Matip vying for the spot. As a result, I have gone for the insanely consistent, intelligent, and imposing Sami Hyypia, who I think would form a formidable partnership with Virge. Additionally, I have put Riise at left-back. The reason is he was a part of Rafa’s very impressive defensive line-up (which shows his defensive prowess), whilst at the same time contributing a lot more goals than Robertson. The midfield duo of Gerrard and Alonso would be a dream for any manager, the goals, link-up play, passing, crossing, intelligence etc is all so orgasmic. Until the last minute I had Bobby Firmino just in front of them to link up with the attack, until I decided that Stevie and Xabi are at their best when they have the freedom granted from a defensive midfielder behind them. Whilst I don’t like Mascherano, it is hard to argue with just how good he was for us, covering our defence during a time where we beat the best teams in the world in the PL and CL. Onto the attacking 3 and I considered the current crop and how they could be improved. Salah for me is just world class, his dribbling, goals and attacking threat is something we have rarely had out wide over the years. Whilst Mane is also of a similar ilk, I have opted for McManaman, the reason (aside from getting to see his Adams apple) is that he is a superior dribbler and has a better passing and crossing rate/accuracy – meaning I feel he offers more against resilient defences. Whilst I acknowledge Mane’s greater goal rate, I feel no only would Riise’s goal contributions help, but also Macca would create more assists. The main man up front was very tough, but I always kind of knew it was going to be Suarez. Whilst I love Bobby – and I do LOVE Bobby, the biggest criticism is his goal output. Suarez has a similar work-rate, yet scores so many more. Linking up with Salah and Macca, for me would be an almost unstoppable front 3, and that is not including the input from Stevie, Xabi, Trent and Riise. Honourable mentions are Carragher, Agger, Robertson, Arbeloa, Hamann, Fabinho, Kuyt, Fowler, Pongolle (of course), Rush (who was a very strong contender to be partnered with Suarez in a different formation and I hate to say it but Owen and Torres. The Captain is of course Mr Liverpool himself Mr Stevie G. The manager is tough as Klopp has proven success with our club and just as importantly this line-up and I might be being stupid in my final decision (you decide). However, I wouldn't be being true to myself though if I didn't choose the master tactician himself Mr Rafa Benitez. Not only would he be great at nullifying the top teams in the head to head games (which takes some doing), but he also won us a wealth of trophies and re-established us as a real force in Europe. I am going to also state that he WOULD have the great Paco alongside him.