Early pre-season Liverpool FC squad thoughts

Goal Keeper:

Alisson clear number one, Mamardashvili an able back up. Not sure there was a need for Woodman. Interesting decision to allow Jaros to go on loan to Ajax. Jaros may end up being Alisson’s eventual successor if Mamardashvili doesn’t live up to the hype.

Right Back:

It looks like the position is Bradley’s to lose, although whoever starts at RB and LB is likely to be substituted after 60-70 minutes. Stephenson’s lack of pace was exposed in the Milan game but he is a solid 3rd option if injuries/suspensions kick in. Szoboszlai featured at RB Vs Preston North End and is an interesting option with his power running and passing range – arguably the closest in style to Trent. Maybe used here occasionally in specific circumstances.

Left Back:

Andy Robertson and Kerkez are the obvious 1-2 punch with Tsimikas providing the depth.

Centre Back:

Virgil +1 arguably the most problematic position in the squad right now with a successor to VVD needed and Konate’s contract situation. Gomez is a squad player with fitness issues. One or two are expected to come in as to who, we’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime Gravenberch, Endo, Stephenson, Morton and Bajcetic could all be used in a pinch.

Defensive midfielder:

Gravenberch is the clear starter based on last season. Then it depends on what system Arne Slot uses as to who plays alongside him. In a 2 CDM system IE 4-2-2-2 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, 4-3-2-1, 4-3-1-2.

Endo, Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Morton, Bajcetic and McConnell are all likely to play here at times throughout the season, but I think Slot is looking at Szoboszlai to play a deeper (box to box) role this season.

I think Szoboszlai will play in a multitude of positions on the right side, i.e. RB, DM (6), RM (8) AM (10) and perhaps at RW if Salah is out (injured, suspended or at the AFCON).

Mac Allister’s role in the team is less clear after the arrival of Florian Wirtz and his role may change from starter to rotational depending on the formation/tactics Slot utilised.

To clarify in a 3 man midfield, I would see Gravenberch at 6, Szoboszlai at 8 and Wirtz at 10 as the ‘best’ starting 3. In a 4 with 2*6’s and 2*8 or 10’s I think Mac Allister sits and holds with Gravenberch with Szoboszlai and Wirtz playing the advanced roles as they are a more balanced pair, i.e. Wirtz on the left, Szoboszlai on the right.

Curtis Jones is pushed back in the pecking order and Harvey Elliott even further. Both may be surplus to requirements, with Jones the more likely to stay.

Wide left:

Diaz will almost certainly be sold, with Gakpo, Ngumoha and possibly Ekitike will play here and there may be another option brought in if Diaz goes. Although I like the idea of the variety Diaz offers in relation to Gakpo.

Wide right:

Salah – I think Elliott and Doak may well both be gone by the end of the window with Szoboszlai, Frimpong or Bradley being the main options in his absence.

Central striker

Following the sad demise of Diogo Jota and with Nunez expected to move on, I was of the belief that Liverpool would go into the season without a central striker. The arrival of Hugo Ekitike threw me off balance whether or not Isak arrives. And I guess that is the aim. If we have no idea as fans who will play, in what formation and what is the best XI, what chance do other managers have?

I expect to see a lot of players playing in different positions throughout the season and even within a game. I see the key starters as Alisson, VVD, Konate, Gravenberch, Wirtz and Salah with the remaining five starting roles filled based on form, fitness and tactical roles.

It may take 3 or 4 months for this team to fully gel and that may mean a slower start to the season than last year, but Liverpool are going to be great fun to watch and I can’t wait.

Written by RedAK July 27 2025 14:22:31