The Liverpool supporting punters here in the Transfer Tavern have been in celebratory mood this week after a resounding 3-0 victory over Manchester City on Wednesday evening.
Their season looks pretty much over as far as the league table is concerned and the Reds have very little left to play for, with the Champions League places too far away.
Talk among the punters has turned towards what Liverpool need to sign in the summer, to ensure that they can challenge for the top four next season.
One fairly disgruntled punter is playing pool and he thinks the squad needs a complete overhaul and they need to target several top class players.
Our writer Lee Clarke doesn’t agree however and here he backs FIVE current Liverpool players to shine during the 2016/17 campaign…….
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!
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Adam Lallana
Lallana has failed to really live up to his £25 million price tag in a Liverpool shirt, but his long range opener in Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Manchester City, offered hope that he can still have a say in the Reds’ future.
The ex-Southampton man has been in and out of the team under current boss Jurgen Klopp, but it is likely that the German manager will stick with the midfielder for a little while longer.
The 27-year-old has so much more to offer and should the club opt to let him go, it could be a decision they live to regret.
Divock Origi
The Belgian striker was seemingly on the way out of Liverpool under the management of Brendan Rodgers, who signed him and then opted to loan him out.
As we now know, Jurgen Klopp isn’t a huge fan of loaning players out and the youngster could be set to feature more regular for the Reds next season.
Christian Benteke doesn’t appear to have much of a future in a Liverpool shirt, which could pave the way for the 20-year-old to shine during the 206/17 campaign.
Origi netted a superb hat-trick during a 6-1 demolition of Southampton in the Capital One Cup, to offer reds supporters a glimpse of his capabilities.
Jon Flanagan
The 23-year-old has been missing for around 18 months due to a knee injury and the youngster will be hoping to come back fit and firing next season.
Flanagan looked sharp during Wednesday’s win over Manchester City and the full-back is a really solid defender in the Reds’ ranks.
Liverpool-born Flanagan was in great form as the Reds nearly won the Premier League title two seasons ago, and he looks to be an England international in the making.
Jurgen Klopp will use the rest of this season to take a more thorough look at the youth team graduate, and help him get back to full fitness.
Lucas
The Brazilian midfielder showed just how versatile he can be during the Capital One Cup Final, by putting in a tremendous performance in the centre of defence.
Although boss Klopp is unlikely to want to play him there next season on a regular basis, every club needs a bit of versatility and Lucas could be a strong asset.
The 29-year-old is one of the longest-serving Liverpool players having arrived at Anfield in 2007 and has over 200 appearances to his name.
I am not convinced that he will be a regular started for Liverpool next season but he could shine as a squad member nonetheless.
Daniel Sturridge
On his day the ex-Manchester City and Chelsea striker must be considered as one of the most potent strikers in the Premier League, but a series of injury issues have seen him struggle to stay in the team.
The 2016/17 campaign will be massive for Sturridge as he looks to rebuild a somewhat flailing reputation among certain sectors of football.
In 61 appearances for the Reds he has netted 38 goals and Liverpool have desperately missed his reliability in front of goal during the current campaign.
Klopp will stick with Sturridge for at least next season and it is sure to be a crucial one for the 26-year-old.
