With the transfer window still open, Liverpool supporters continue to hope for further additions.
However, if the current squad remains unchanged, Andoni Iraola already has the foundations of an exciting team.
This is how I believe Liverpool’s strongest starting XI would look.
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker
When fit, Alisson remains one of the world’s best goalkeepers.
His leadership, shot-stopping and ability with the ball at his feet make him an automatic choice.
Defence
Right-back – Jeremie Frimpong
Frimpong’s pace and attacking threat make him the perfect fit for Iraola’s aggressive style.
His willingness to press high and constantly overlap could make Liverpool’s right flank one of the most dangerous in the Premier League.
Centre-back – Virgil van Dijk
The captain remains Liverpool’s defensive leader.
Even at this stage of his career, Van Dijk is still among the league’s elite defenders.
Centre-back – Jeremy Jacquet
With Ibrahima Konaté gone, this is a huge opportunity for Jeremy Jacquet.
Strong, composed and comfortable defending large spaces, he looks well suited to playing alongside Van Dijk.
Left-back – Milos Kerkez
Kerkez already looks like an outstanding signing.
His energy, aggression and attacking intent could make him one of the biggest beneficiaries of Iraola’s football.
Midfield
Ryan Gravenberch
Gravenberch’s ability to carry the ball through midfield gives Liverpool a dimension very few teams possess.
Alexis Mac Allister
The complete midfielder.
Mac Allister brings balance, intelligence and relentless work rate, making him indispensable.
Dominik Szoboszlai
Rather than pushing him wide, I’d play Szoboszlai in his natural midfield role.
His running power, pressing intensity and ability to arrive late in the box could be crucial under Iraola.
Attack
Right wing – Rio Ngumoha
This might surprise some supporters, but I genuinely believe Ngumoha deserves the opportunity.
His pace, direct running and fearlessness make him an exciting option, and Iraola has never been afraid to trust talented young players.
If anyone can unlock his enormous potential, it could be Liverpool’s new head coach.
Centre-forward – Alexander Isak
Isak has everything required to lead Liverpool’s attack.
His movement, finishing and technical quality make him the obvious focal point.
Left wing – Florian Wirtz
Many see Wirtz as a number 10, but I would start him from the left.
Operating from that side would allow him to drift inside onto his stronger foot, combine with Mac Allister and Kerkez, and create overloads in dangerous areas.
It also gives him the freedom to influence the game without being restricted to one central position.
Strength in Depth
Liverpool would still have plenty of quality available from the bench:
● Cody Gakpo
● Stefan Bajčetić
● Curtis Jones
● Joe Gomez
● Kostas Tsimikas
● Trey Nyoni
● Josh Abe
● Hugo Ekitike (once fit)
That provides Iraola with genuine competition throughout the squad.
Is It Enough?
Even without further signings, this is a team capable of exciting Liverpool supporters.
The pace of Frimpong and Kerkez.
The creativity of Wirtz.
The intelligence of Mac Allister.
The energy of Szoboszlai.
The finishing of Isak.
And perhaps most exciting of all, the fearlessness of Rio Ngumoha.
There are still areas where Liverpool could strengthen before the window closes, particularly in defence and attack.
But if no more arrivals come through the door, this starting XI would still give supporters plenty of reasons to look forward to the new season under Andoni Iraola.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
