Liverpool have a selection dilemma to face after a £444m summer transfer spend
Paul Gorst is the Liverpool ECHO's Liverpool FC correspondent and brings readers the inside track on all matters Anfield day in, day out. Now into his seventh season in the role, Paul follows the Reds home and away, wherever they play - including pre season. He brings you all the latest Liverpool news first each day, plus exclusive interviews and insightful, independent analysis. A journalist with over a decade's worth of experience, he has worked at the ECHO since 2016.
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak (left) and Liverpool manager Arne Slot
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak (left) and Liverpool manager Arne Slot
(Image: Getty)
It was a record-breaking summer for Liverpool Football Club as the Reds went on a spending spree that saw them shell out over £400m on new players. The Premier League champions' show of ambition saw them bring in Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak in separate deals worth over £100m each.
Meanwhile, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovani Leoni and Hugo Ekitike were also brought to the club in high-profile transfers.
It puts Arne Slot's side in a strong position to defend their league title, yet the Dutchman faces a challenge to rotate his side and keep everyone happy.
So what is his best line-up? ECHO writers Paul Gorst and Joe Rimmer have their say:
Paul Gorst: So if Liverpool were playing in the Champions League final next week with a clean bill of health, who gets the nod following £444m worth of investment this summer?
Giorgi Mamardashvili will provide Alisson Becker with real international class competition for the years ahead but the Brazil No.1 remains the best man for the job in goal.
At right-back the pace, power and tenacity of Conor Bradley is a real option and Dominik Szoboszlai has shown he can excel when called upon in that position also, but I am going to give new signing Jeremie Frimpong the nod. The Netherlands international can also help Mohamed Salah cause chaos by going on the outside with his blistering pace. We're yet to see what Frimpong can truly do but I am backing him on the flank.
Milos Kerkez is on the opposite flank as he goes about forging a path as Liverpool's left-back for the long term, while Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk at centre-half is about as straightforward as it gets with this particular team selection.
In midfield, it's a case of three into two for me. While Curtis Jones is growing in importance in this Liverpool squad, I still suspect the starting XI will come down to two of either Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Szoboszlai. It's a welcome headache for Slot to have but I am going to stick with the first two and the Hungary captain can be the first reserve off the bench.
It's harsh on Szoboszlai, who has started the season so strongly, but Gravenberch and Mac Allister's partnership is a must.
That means Florian Wirtz operates as the No.10 just behind Alexander Isak, who leads the line in place of Hugo Ekitike, who has made a superb start to Liverpool life, it must be stressed. Cody Gakpo is now the undisputed first choice on the left and Salah - who else? - patrols the right side.
My team: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Joe Rimmer: The beauty of Liverpool's £400m summer spend is that the debate about Arne Slot's best team should be something of a moot point. In fact, Slot's best side is whichever one he deems suitable for the opposition lining up against the Reds on any given occasion.
Need stability and industry against a side that may dominate the ball? Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch are the midfield for you. Looking to break down a stubborn defence sitting deep? Florian Wirtz can provide the answers. Wanting to break quickly and catch a side out on the counter-attack? Jeremie Frimpong's pace may be useful.
Slot can mix and match until his heart's content with quality right throughout the squad and he can turn to his bench in times of need.
But for argument's sake - let's say Liverpool are in a major cup final - who are his best starting XI on paper? That's where some ruthless decisions are required.
Alisson Becker is the undisputed number one in goal and, after the failure to sign Marc Guehi, Ibrahima Konate is first choice to partner Virgil van Dijk in the centre of defence. Milos Kerkez probably just shades Andy Robertson at left-back as things stand but right-back throws up the first real dilemma.
Frimpong was signed for a lot of money and clearly has his qualities. Szoboszlai has also shown he can play in that position with real skill. And yet for me, if fit, Conor Bradley probably just shades it for the time being.
But that isn't to say I'd want to go without Liverpool's tireless Hungarian, who I believe is key to balance for the Reds right now. So he takes his place in my midfield alongside Ryan Gravenberch and a man who I believe is arguably the best midfielder on the planet in Alexis Mac Allister.
So what of £116m man Florian Wirtz? I'm going to somewhat shoehorn him in at left wing, with Cody Gakpo (perhaps unfairly) on the bench. Alexander Isak gets the nod ahead of Hugo Ekiktike and Mohamed Salah takes his place on the other flank.
My team: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Isak