1. A surprise partner for van Dijk in defence
One of the possible areas of recruitment was not strengthened over the summer as Jurgen Klopp has been keeping his utmost faith in his centre-backs. There is a reason why he paid $75 million for Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch international has been excellent for Liverpool and has transformed the entire defence into a really solid one. His presence has aided Dejan Lovren a great deal, making him feel much more comfortable and confident on the pitch.
However, the Croatian will not play a part in the opener due to a lack of match fitness as he played the World Cup final less than a month ago. Backup defenders Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan both picked up injuries during pre-season and are heavy doubts for the game on Sunday. Matip, however, is in a better position to play than Klavan. Along with them, Joe Gomez also suffered a knock which kept him out of Liverpool’s friendly win over Torino. He may be ready for the game, but it will be a niggling concern to think about for the manager.
Gomez is the likeliest from the three to partner van Dijk against West Ham, but there is another alternative for Liverpool if none of the three is fit enough. It may be risky giving him a debut on the opening day, but young Nathaniel Phillips could potentially get an opportunity to build on an impressive pre-season for the Reds. He was initially brought in the squad to make up the numbers but made such a good impression that Klopp decided to include him in the squad for the US Tour. It will likely be Gomez, with a possibility that we will see Phillips make his Anfield debut.
2. Gini Wijaldum starting in midfield
Ah, the age-old issue of players and their fitness. Just like the centre-backs, some of Liverpool’s midfielders are having their fair share of fitness problems. We all know that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is out for possibly the entire season but a few others might miss the first game. New signing Fabinho is ill and won’t play any part against West Ham, while there are questions over the state of Jordan Henderson and James Milner.
The Liverpool captain has just recently returned to Melwood after a busy World Cup campaign but is expected to start the season in the side, but it would not be too surprising if Klopp decided to bench him on Sunday. Milner suffered a gruesome wound that required 15 stitches while in action, leaving him in doubt as well. Whether or not the both of them are available, we should see a start for one of Liverpool’s most impressive players in the last few games, Gini Wijnaldum.
The Dutch midfielder scored in the last two friendlies against Napoli and Torino, while enjoying impressive performances in both games. He is looking to stake his claim for a spot in Liverpool’s hotly contested midfield three. There are six players vying for three positions, a problem Jurgen Klopp would want to have. Competition for places is always healthy in football, as it showcases the strength-in-depth of teams. Liverpool certainly have that now. But for the opener, we will likely see Wijnaldum partner Henderson and new boy Naby Keita in the middle of the park.
3. Naby Keita settling in well at Anfield
Speaking of Naby Keita, the Guinean has looked extremely bright for Liverpool in pre-season. His all-action style is something that will be adored around Anfield in the many years to come. Keita can do all sorts of things a great midfielder should be able to do, just like his idol Steven Gerrard. He has some enormous expectations behind him as he was presented with the number 8 shirt by Gerrard himself. He has already settled in perfectly in Merseyside.
His style of play suits Liverpool to perfection and the Reds will want to get the most out of him at every attempt. Keita will be the driving force of the midfield and carry attacks forward. It will be his duty to link up with other midfielders and the Reds forwards. He has shown on many occasions that he is an expert in finding the right pass. Keita has shown a great level of understanding with Daniel Sturridge in pre-season, setting him up numerous times.
With the partnership he has formed with Sturridge, one can only wonder what will he be able to do when he has three world-class forwards in front of him. Naby Keita will be directly playing in balls for the likes of Salah, Firmino and Mane, the latter being good friends with the midfielder. It surely is a mouth-watering prospect for Reds fans as Keita, along with Alisson, is set to make his Premier League debut on Sunday. He really should settle in quite nicely at Anfield.