If I were picking Liverpool’s starting XI for this afternoon’s massive clash against Arsenal, I would make a couple of bold decisions.
There are some big selection calls for Andoni Iraola, but my message is simple: pick players on current form, not reputation.
Ryan Gravenberch hasn’t been playing well enough for me, and I would also leave Cody Gakpo out of the starting line-up. Both are talented players, but nobody should be guaranteed a place when performances aren’t good enough.
I would go with a team that has energy, creativity and plenty of attacking threat.
Here is my starting XI.
My Liverpool XI vs Arsenal
Goalkeeper
Alisson
Defence
Ronald Araújo, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez
Midfield
Trey Nyoni, Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz
Attack
Rio Ngumoha, Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola
Give Trey Nyoni His Opportunity
I would love to see Nyoni get the nod in midfield.
The youngster has shown enough to suggest he deserves more opportunities, and there is no better way to find out what he can do than giving him a start in a big Premier League fixture.
Gravenberch has struggled for consistency, and I don’t think his place should be protected simply because of his reputation or previous performances.
Nyoni offers energy, enthusiasm and the chance to bring something fresh into the midfield. Playing alongside Mac Allister and Wirtz would give him quality and experience around him.
It would be a big test, but these are the occasions when young players can announce themselves.
Mac Allister and Wirtz Must Be Central to Our Play
Mac Allister is an important player for Liverpool, and I would want him involved in the middle of the pitch.
He has the intelligence and passing ability to help control possession, but he will also need to be disciplined defensively against an Arsenal side with plenty of quality.
Wirtz would play further forward, where he can link the midfield with the attack and find pockets of space between Arsenal’s lines.
We need his creativity in a game like this. Liverpool cannot afford to become predictable, and Wirtz has the ability to unlock a defence with one clever pass.
Rio Ngumoha Has Earned His Chance
This is another selection decision I feel strongly about.
I want to see Rio starting.
The youngster has enormous potential, and I think Liverpool should be giving him more opportunities rather than making him wait for occasional appearances from the bench.
Gakpo hasn’t been playing well enough to keep his place in my opinion. He has quality, but his recent performances have been disappointing, and I would like to see Rio given the opportunity to bring some direct running, confidence and unpredictability to the attack.
Imagine the problems he could cause Arsenal’s defence if he gets on the ball and runs at them.
Isak and Barcola Complete the Attack
Isak has to start for me.
He is the centre-forward Liverpool invested so heavily in, and we need his movement and finishing ability against Arsenal.
Barcola would start on the opposite side to Rio. His pace and direct approach give Liverpool another major threat, and he has the ability to stretch Arsenal’s defence.
That front three would give us pace, movement and the potential to cause problems whenever we get forward.
Araujo, Jacquet and Van Dijk at the Back
Defensively, I would stick with Alisson behind a back four of Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk and Kerkez.
Araujo gives us physicality and defensive aggression at right-back, while Jacquet and Van Dijk would provide a strong partnership in the centre.
Kerkez has to start on the left.
Arsenal will test us, and Liverpool need defenders who are prepared to compete, defend their box and stay switched on throughout the game.
My Verdict: Pick on Form, Not Reputation
I know my selection would involve a couple of controversial decisions, particularly leaving out Gravenberch and Gakpo.
But that is football. Players have to earn their places, and I don’t believe anybody should be immune from criticism when performances aren’t at the required level.
Nyoni deserves an opportunity, Rio deserves more minutes, and I would love to see both given the chance to make an impact against Arsenal.
This is a massive game at Anfield, and Liverpool need to start with energy, belief and the intention to take the game to the opposition.
That’s my team. What would I change? Nothing! I’d go with Nyoni, Mac Allister and Wirtz in midfield, Rio, Isak and Barcola up front, and give Arsenal something different to think about.
Come on, Reds!
Jamie The Kopite View
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