After enduring a poor start to the 2017 calendar year, Liverpool seem to have found their winning ways with back to back wins over Arsenal and Burnley in the Premier League.
The competition for the Champions League spots is far from over, but given their current form and their relatively easy run in at the end of the season, the Reds seem to be the favourites to seal the final place in the top four behind Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City.
However, for them to be up there again next season and to compete on the European stages, bringing in some big players in the summer window will be of paramount importance for Liverpool. And according to reports, manager Jurgen Klopp is set to be handed a £150-million transfer war chest to go and get his transfer targets in the summer.
Here, we look at how Liverpool could line up if they manage to secure the signings of their targets:
Formation: 4-3-3
Simon Mignolet (GK)
Simon Mignolet has been resurgent with his form and has managed to improve himself after a slow start to the season and a lot of criticism. It might be the case after all, that Klopp may not be looking to replace the Belgian.
Nathaniel Clyne (RB)
The former Southampton man is an extremely important part of this Liverpool side. His position in the starting XI is an absolute certainty.
Joel Matip (CB)
In the heart of the defence Joel Matip might continue. The Cameroonian international has very soon established himself as the defensive mainstay for the Reds and with him at the back, there is a sense of defensive stability for Liverpool.
Virgil van Dijk (CB)
Slotting alongside Matip will be Southampton star defender Virgil van Dijk, if Liverpool manage to get their hands on him. The £40-million man has been targeted by the Reds for a long time now and signing him would be a true statement of intent from Liverpool.
Sead Kolasinac (LB)
On the left-side of the defence, we could see 23-year old Sead Kolasinac come into the side. The Schalke defender is in the final few months of his contract and Klopp is an admirer of the Bosnian and is reportedly interested in signing him up for free. He would be an ideal fit into the way Liverpool play and could displace veteran James Milner as the left-back.
Naby Keita (DM)
Another transfer target from the Bundesliga, RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita will bolster the Liverpool midfield greatly. The Guinean international has been the driving force behind the newly promoted German side’s surprise title challenge this season. His tenacity and control of the game from the middle of the park could have a similar effect on the Reds.
Jordan Henderson (CM)
With Keita fitting in at the base of the three-man midfield, we could see captain Jordan Henderson occupy a slightly advanced position in the centre of the pitch. There will be a healthy competition between the captain and the excellent Georginio Wijnaldum for this place, and with European involvement on cards, there will be plenty of rotation among Hendo, Gini and Keita.
Adam Lallana (CM)
Occupying the final position in the three-pronged midfield will be the brilliant Adam Lallana. The 28-year old has finally found his groove at Anfield this season and is playing his best football in Liverpool colours this season. Will be involved in the rotation with Wijnaldum and Keita.
Sadio Mane (RW)
On the right-flank, Sadio Mane is the undisputed starter. The summer signing has been explosive since his arrival and has made such a huge impact. He will be crucial for Liverpool in the years to come as they chase glory.
Philippe Coutinho (LW)
On the opposite flank, it will be Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian signed a long-term contract not so long ago and has been the main man in Liverpool’s resurgence under Klopp. No-brainer here.
Alexandre Lacazette (CF)
And leading the line will be current Olympique Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette. The Frenchman has made it clear he wants to leave the French side in the summer and a number of English clubs are believed to be chasing him, along with Liverpool. But with Daniel Sturridge likely to be heading towards the exit door, Liverpool could be the perfect destination for Lacazette. The Reds could benefit immensely from his goal-scoring ability.
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