Liverpool managed their first win in three in all competitions on Saturday, with Steven Gerrard scoring what could prove to be his final goal in a red shirt.
Liverpool’s departing captain popped up with a fine header in front of the Kop with just three minutes on the clock, having missed a penalty just seven minutes earlier with the scores at 1-1.
The 2-1 win – coupled with Manchester United’s 1-0 home defeat to West Brom later in the day – has kept alive the Reds faint hopes of a top four finish, but still it seems unlikely with the gap at four points, and just three matches remaining.
Brendan Rodgers and all connected with Liverpool will be hoping for better next season, but some business will need to be done in the summer if that is to be the case.
Here we have identified what could well be a dream starting XI for Rodgers to send out for the opening fixture of next season.
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Click on Brendan Rodgers to reveal the dream Liverpool starting XI under Rodgers next season
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Petr Cech
It looks as though Liverpool’s current number one Simon Mignolet could end the season with the Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets in the Premier League.
Whilst that would represent a remarkable turnaround for the Belgian goalkeeper, the prospect of signing Chelsea’s number two Petr Cech should not be overlooked if it is at all possible.
The 32-year-old is looking for a club capable of offering regular first team football this summer, and Liverpool have been linked along with London rivals Arsenal.
Daryl Janmaat
The Dutchman is one of the few Newcastle players to emerge from this season with any sort of credit.
Liverpool look set to lose Glen Johnson to Roma on a free transfer at the end of the season, whilst young Jon Flanagan has been ruled out for a further nine months after knee surgery.
That means the Reds are set to enter the market for another right back, and the Dutchman has reportedly caught the eye of Brendan Rodgers.
Martin Skrtel
The Slovakian has established himself as Brendan Rodgers first choice centre back over the past couple of seasons, and talks over a new three year contract are underway.
Skrtel has had a mixed season in terms of performances, but was a key part of a back three that secured a club record six clean sheets away from home in succession.
If he can rediscover the goalscoring form he produced last season next term, he could well be on the way back to confirming himself as one of the top Premier League defenders.
Mamadou Sakho
A contender for the Reds most improved player of the season.
Frenchman Mamadou Sakho has come on leaps and bounds this season, and has been sorely missed since suffering an injury against Blackburn in the FA Cup last month.
Sakho says he has been helped this term having had a year to settle and learn the English language, and Liverpool fans will be hoping he can stay fit and maintain his run of good form going into next season.
Alberto Moreno
The Spaniard is another who has endured a mixed season at Anfield, having started well with a superb solo goal in a win at Tottenham.
Too often he has looked vulnerable defensively however, whilst his attacking influence has been limited despite being played often in a more advanced wing back role.
There is clearly talent there however, and Reds fans will hope Brendan Rodgers is right when he says he expects Moreno amongst others to be better next season having had a year to adapt to life in the Premier League.
Jordan Henderson
Liverpool’s captain in waiting, Jordan Henderson has enjoyed a fine season with seven goals and 13 assists in all competitions from the heart of the Liverpool midfield.
With Steven Gerrard set to end his 16-year love affair with the Reds at the end of the season, the pressure will be cranked up a notch on Henderson next term.
The former Sunderland man has responded to every challenge he has faced in his Liverpool career so far, and Brendan Rodgers expects him to do the same next season, having recently tied him to a new long term contract.
Emre Can
Perhaps the biggest success story of all Liverpool’s summer signings, the Germany Under-21 captain has often been deployed out of position as part of a back three, or even at right back in recent weeks.
Having had a year to settle into English football, Liverpool fans are expecting to see Can in his favoured position in the middle of the park next season.
Still just 21-years-of-age, there is plenty more to come from the former Bayern Munich youngster, who has already become a favourite amongst the supporters at Anfield.
Jordon Ibe
With concerns mounting over the future of Raheem Sterling, Liverpool supporters are watching young Jordan Ibe more closely.
The 19-year-old has been impressive since being thrust into the first team in February, having spent the first half of the season on loan at Derby.
With many supporters having grown frustrated with Sterling and his refusal to sign a deal worth £100,000 a week, Ibe may well be the Reds new boy-wonder next term.
Philippe Coutinho
Liverpool’s outstanding player this season, the Brazilian was named in the PFA team of the year, and has pipped Chelsea’s Oscar to a slot in the Brazil squad for the summer’s Copa America.
Coutinho has improved his shot accuaracy this term, and has eight goals to his name in all competitions – six of which have come since late February.
He is best in that position just off the striker, and looks set to go into next season as the Reds main man.
Memphis Depay
The Reds have reportedly moved ahead of bitter rivals Manchester United in the race to sign PSV winger Memphis Depay.
The 21-year-old announced himself on the world stage last summer, scoring two goals at the World Cup in Brazil – becoming the youngest Dutchman to score in the tournament in the process.
He has been outstanding for PSV this season, whilst his pace and versatility make him an ideal signing for Brendan Rodgers – especially with the growing fears over Raheem Sterling’s future.
Alexandre Lacazette
Liverpool have learnt this season that they simply cannot rely on Daniel Sturridge to remain fit, and with Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert, and Fabio Borini managing just eight goals between them all season, a new striker is a transfer priority this summer.
Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette is one of the most wanted forward’s in Europe, having fired 31 goals in 31 games in all competitions this term for the Ligue 1 giants.
He would cost around £40million, but would be a worthwhile investment for a club in desperate need of a goalscorer who can stay fit for more than a quarter of the matches over a season.
