While Jurgen Klopp demonstrated his undoubted ability in terms of feet-on-the-ground coaching during the opening few months of his Liverpool tenure, the notion of the German having a whole pre-season of working with a squad crafted in own image is certainly a fascinating one.
Having already signed Joel Matip and Loris Karius, the former Borussia Dortmund coach is stamping his authority down at Anfield, as he gears up to improve a Reds side that has seemingly become so accustomed to mid-table mediocrity.
Such is the rather hipster nature of The Kop chief appears to pursuing his own brand of targets as he readies himself for his first full season in charge on Merseyside.
There are of course doubts over the futures of some big names with the club, including the likes of Christian Benteke and Joe Allen, with big names expected to be cut from the ranks in an attempt to make way for big name targets.
So, how could Klopp set up his side up on the opening day away at Arsenal?
GK: Loris Karius
Ok, so Simon Mignolet may well have been afforded a new deal at the turn of the year, though the Belgian’s continually shaky performances between the sticks will surely cast serious doubt over his future as a starter.
Karius may not be the finished article, though the 22-year old has far more potential to his all round game than the current option and certainly has the confidence to take to life in England well.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne
The continued heroics of Kyle Walker with England at Euro 2016 may well be slightly overshadowing the Reds defender, but few would doubt Nathaniel Clyne’s ability.
The former Southampton right-back mixes defensive diligence with attacking enterprise in equal measure and his boundless energy is crucial to Klopp’s ‘heavy metal’ approach.
CB: Joel Matip
With the Reds struggling so much with anything aerial during Klopp’s early tenure at Anfield, the arrival of towering Cameroonian central defender Joel Matip will indeed be a welcome one.
6ft 5 and formidable in air, the 24-year old should provide the sort of aggression not seen in the Liverpool defence since Martin Skrtel was at his peak.
CB: Dejan Lovren
Dejan Lovren may actually not be anywhere near as good as his first six months at Southampton would have you believe, though the Croatian greatly improved after the departure of Brendan Rodgers.
With doubts about Mamadou Sakho, the 26-year old will be crucial no doubt.
LB: Andy Robertson
Alberto Moreno’s horror show in Basel during the Europa League final will surely serve as the final nail in his Liverpool career, with the need for a new left-back now becoming a desperate one.
The likes of Leicester Ciy’s Ben Chilwell has been linked, though surely Hull City’s Andy Robertson would provide a more reliable option.
Still only 22, the Scotsman is proven in the Premier League and even proved a formidable defender in the Championship, indicating he is up to the physical task.
CM: Piotr Zielinski
Perhaps the most hipster of all the targets, Udinese midfielder Piotr Zielinski looks to be a priority of Klopp’s going forward.
A tireless presence in the middle of the park, the 23-year old could be a pillar upon which the German builds his success on Merseyside, covering ground up and down the pitch as the Reds play with the verve often affiliated with the 46-year old’s teams.
CM: Emre Can
An injury curtailed the German’s season (barring a rather poor outing during the loss to Sevilla in Basel), though his upward trajectory under the stewardship of his countryman will surely only continue across their period working together.
RW: Sadio Mane
While Liverpool have had fairly mixed results when buying from Southampton in recent seasons, it doesn’t appear to have put top brass at Anfield off making another swoop.
They are thought to be interested in forward Sadio Mane, whose potential £30m arrival at Anfield could provide them with one of the most fluid attacks in the Premier League.
Though marred by inconsistency, the Senegalese can be a lethal attacker on his day and break behind enemy lines.
CAM: Philippe Coutinho
There’s no doubt the Brazilian is one of the best playmakers in the league, emerging as the club’s creator-in-chief since the departure of Luis Suarez in 2014.
Few can match his ability on the ball, while he also represents a palpable goal threat thanks to his expertise in long-range shooting.
One of the finest technicians in the box, the former Inter Milan prodigy is well on his way to becoming one of the best attacking midfielders in the world.
LM: Roberto Firmino
The second brilliant Brazilian in the lineup, Roberto Firmino put a slow opening few months to his Liverpool career behind him, ending up with 11 goals and 9 assists.
As his time progressed in England, the 24-year old grew into his own at Anfield, taking games by the scruff of the neck and standing up to be counted.
With a whole pre-season under the German’s stewardship, it will be fascinating to see if the Selecao star can continue his upward trajectory.
CF: Daniel Sturridge
Daniel Sturridge’s stock may well have plummeted last night in the embarrassing loss to Iceland for England, though the 26-year old has proven time and time again to be prolific for the Reds.
Injuries obviously put a huge question mark over his ability to truly lead the line, though when fit, perhaps only Sergio Aguero is a better striker in the league.
His ability to float across the frontline, the former Chelsea man can interact with the vast array of attacking midfielders.
