Interesting little discussion over the Utd thread on who'd get into a combined team from either side, so it seemed a good place to look at where we're at looking ahead to the summer window and what we all need to do realistically for ***** and giggles.
Goalkeeper.
What do you say here? Obviously we need one. But nobody truly knows what the plan is with the ridiculous Mingolet deal. Hopefully Danny Ward shows enough to at least be a stable back-up.
Defo a new first choice 'keeper needed.
Defence.
RB. Presuming Flanno returns to full health, we're set there. Clyne's as good as any RB the league for me and Jon adds quality depth.
LB. I'd love Moreno to be replaced but I don't see that happening anytime soon and I don't see it as much a priority as other areas right now. Smith has been a major bonus and has shown he's a more than capable deputy you can rely on.
So we should be set at FB at least for next year.
CH. Defo need at least quality signing here. Maybe two dependent on Sakho's health. Matip looks all but a done deal so there's a positive start. I'd anticipate Skrtel will be done the end of this season. And Kolo's defo not coming back. But Lovren has been a surprising turnaround under Klopp to at least be a solid 3rd/4th choice. And I wouldn't be surprised to see Joe Gomez really force his way up the pecking order next year if he returns with no after effects the injury. And who knows if Caulker reignites his career?
So one, maybe two new central defenders.
Midfield.
DM. Hopefully the new Serb is earmarked for that role rather than Can who just doesn't have the smarts. Wouldn't mind seeing another added, either starter or to split with Grujic and Lucas let go the summer. The likes of Brannigan, Rossiter and Stewart should be enough for deep depth and the cups. Allen will more than likely be gone.
BtB. Should be set there with Henderson backed up by Can. Probably keep Milner another year for his experience and to add to the depth.
AM. Hopefully Teixera will be added before the window to give a great looking interchanging three with Firmino, who ultimately will be in the 10 role; and Phil who we know has the ability. Ibe obviously is going nowhere as he continues to develop, no doubt Klopp will want a good look at Markovic, and hopefully Ojo pushes himself more. But another more proven winger would be a nice addition. If we do add Teixera, and are at a stage next year where the likes of Lallana are depth players the squad will be moving the right direction.
Possible DM starter. Wide depth along with maybe another playmaker depth wise.
Strikers.
I'll be shocked if either Benteke or Mario are here next year so we'll need at least one. This needs to be the real big splash to get a proven goalscorer who can lead the line. If Danny returns to full health brilliant. But we all know that's a big 'if' right now so we need at least one more of similar quality. Ings return will be a welcome boost and gives real good depth. With the hopefully continually improving Origi.
One definite marquee starter along with maybe another dependent on Sturridge.
So if (hopefully) Teixera arrives this window, along with Matip and Grujic to start the summer off; we add a quality goalkeeper and most importantly a top bracket striker and the whole personnel is looking a lot brighter. Maybe another DM and CB dependent on finances and who's out there and the squads looking a lot stronger. Then look to replace the likes of Milner and Lallana the windows after that.
Might not be as big a summer overhaul as it appears once he's got this first evaluation season out of the way.
Andrew Beasley @BassTunedToRed