After a disappointing season last time around, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is under massive pressure to challenge for the top four and bring back Champions League football to Anfield.
His task has been made even more difficult by the fact that Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has left his boyhood club.
Rodgers wasted no time trying to improve his side ahead of the new campaign, bringing in a number of quality players.
He has added several proven Premier League talents in the likes of Nathaniel Clyne, James Milner and Christian Benteke, as well as the creative flair of Brazilian Roberto Firmino.
With all this new talent the Liverpool manager has a wealth of talent at his disposal and is facing a massive selection dilemma ahead of the new season.
Here is how the Reds should line up this year if they’re to return to the top four…
Goalkeeper – Simon Mignolet
Despite Brendan Rodgers never having full confidence in his goalkeeper, the Belgian will again ahead into the new season as first choice between the sticks.
Adam Bogdan has been brought in to compete for the number one jersey in the hope that it spurs Mignolet on to improve on his performances.
The goalkeeper has never quite showcased the talents from his time at Sunderland but there are signs of improvement.
Mignolet is a brilliant shot stopper and once he improves his ability in the air, he will be one of the best keepers in the league.
Right Back – Nathaniel Clyne
Clyne is yet another player to make the switch from Southampton to Liverpool, and what a signing he is.
The England international is one of the best right backs in the league and is the answer to all of Liverpool’s right back issues.
The 24-year-old made more tackles than anyone else in the Premier League last season.
Strong defensively, or bombing forward in support of the attack, the player will play an important role at the club this season.
Centre Back – Martin Skrtel
The Slovakian is a nailed on starter for Liverpool, and easily the best central defender they have.
He leads the back line and was a candidate to take over as captain following Gerrard’s departure in the summer.
He brings a wealth of experience to the back line and is always there to mop up when they need him.
He is a very strong aerial outlet, and a no-nonsense, block and clear presence at the back, whilst when in possession, he knows his limitations, playing the ball short and safe.
Centre Back – Mamadou Sakho
The best candidate to partner Skrtel has to be this Frenchman. He is a more solid option that the out of form Dejan Lovren.
After a very slow start to life at Anfield, the centre back has worked hard to establish himself as a regular starter.
Sakho is a brilliant interceptor of the ball, strong in a challenge he is always 100% committed.
The 25-year-old is also good on the ball and despite looking incredibly awkward, Sakho knows to keep things simple and rarely gives the ball away.
Left Back – Joe Gomez
Youngster Gomez is a new signing from Championship side Charlton and has been one of the most impressive players on their pre-season tour – as well as enjoying a solid Premier League debut in the Reds’ 1-0 victory at Stoke on Sunday.
Rodgers has never been afraid to breed young talent into the first team and has had a number of success stories in the past when trying this.
With doubts over the defensive capabilities of Alberto Moreno, Gomez offers a more solid option. He is a strong, tall player, with bags of pace.
Similar to Clyne, he is also strong moving forward and will no doubt become a regular at Anfield.
Central Midfield – James Milner
Arguably one of Rodgers’ best signings, Milner is the complete definition of an all around midfielder. He can defend, attack, score goals, create goals and pass; he has it all.
His best attribute, though, is his incredible engine; the 29-year-old just never runs out of energy.
Milner brings a wealth of Premier League experience to what is a young Liverpool side and will be expected to play a big role in replacing Steven Gerrard.
The England international will be determined to show Manchester City that he deserved more than just a bit part role, which is something that will only benefit Liverpool.
Central Midfielder – Jordan Henderson
New club captain Jordan Henderson is going to be vital to all things Liverpool this season. The midfielder is stepping into the shoes of a club legend.
Under Brendan Rodgers the midfielder has come on leaps and bounds, and he is now a star for both club and country.
Similar to new midfield partner Milner, he has all the qualities of a box-to-box midfielder, as well as that incredible engine that suits Rodgers’ high pressure game.
Henderson will be a vocal leader on the field and will be expected to play a massive role in helping the younger members of the squad develop.
Attacking Midfield – Jordon Ibe
Another star of the club’s pre-season tour, Ibe looks set to play a major role this season following the departure of Raheem Sterling.
Ibe will face competition from the likes of Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic for the role, but with the incredible amount of extra work the 19-year-old has put in pre-season, he deserves to start.
The youngster is a strong, quick and technical winger who loves to run with the ball and unsettle defenders.
More importantly, unlike his predecessor Sterling, he has that final ball, which the new Manchester City man lacked.
Rodgers has already stated the winger features heavily in his plans this season.
Attacking Midfield – Philippe Coutinho
Easily the most impressive player at Anfield last season, Coutinho is the creative star at the club. Involved in every aspect of the attack.
He is a magical midfielder. His technique and skill are incredible and he is often on a different wave length to all those around him, spotting passes and opportunities that no one else can.
The Brazilian playmaker is deservedly one of the first names on the team sheet and will be expected to improve even more on last seasons’ performances.
At only 22 he is still learning his trade and he will constantly improve the more games he plays
Attacking Midfield – Roberto Firmino
One of the big money arrivals from Hoffenheim this summer, the Brazilian is expected to play a massive role this season.
He possesses many of the technical and attacking qualities of your typical Brazillian and will likely form a great relationship with Coutinho behind the striker.
Firmino had a very good goal record in Germany and if he can replicate that form in England, he will prove to be a nightmare for defenders.
He faces competition from the likes of Divock Origi and Danny Ings for a starting role, but if he hits the ground running, he will become a star at Anfield
Striker – Christian Benteke
Liverpool’s most expensive signing this summer, Benteke is going to be vital to solving the goalscoring problems the Reds faced last season.
With doubts over the long term fitness of Daniel Sturridge, the Belgian is the best man to lead the Reds’ attack this season.
Benteke is a big strong striker with a keen eye for goal. Despite being classed as a target man, he is good on the ball and extremely mobile.
The 24-year-old has proven Premier League experience and has the capability to go on to become one of Liverpool’s best strikers.