Thiago faces several weeks on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Fulham, so how will the Reds line up without him?
The Spaniard’s season is threatening to follow a familiar pattern, with much of his time on Merseyside interrupted by a string of injuries.
With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones also out and Naby Keita having just returned from illness, there are sections of the Liverpool fanbase keen to see another midfield option added to the ranks before the end of the summer transfer window window.
For now, Jurgen Klopp seems happy to stick with what he has, so what might Liverpool’s engine room look like in the absence of their midfield maestro?
Elliott – Fabinho – Henderson
Who was the player Klopp immediately called up when Thiago pulled up at Craven Cottage? Harvey Elliott.
This, of course, could be an indication that the 19-year-old will continue in his place in the coming weeks, especially given the impact he has had on the game since his introduction.
His new contract, the third new contract he has signed in three years, certainly suggests he is ready for an even more prominent role in the team this season.
What might work against him is the fact that he is usually deployed on the right side of Liverpool’s midfield trio, with Liverpool needing someone to fill Thiago’s gap on the left.
The obvious solution would be to move Jordan Henderson to the left to allow Elliott to come in on the opposite side, as was the case with Fulham.
Klopp told reporters that Elliott was like a “new signing” during pre-season and the England Under-21 international flourished when given a regular start at the start of last campaign.
His potential has been used a lot, so is now the time to let Elliott shine?
Henderson – Fabinho – Keita
That might be the most likely option at the moment, assuming Keita is fit to return against Crystal Palace on Monday.
We know how highly Klopp rates the Guinean and he is a natural fit for the role on the left side of midfield.
Keita’s quality has never been in question. When fit, he is a huge asset to this Liverpool team.
However, like Thiago, much of his time at Anfield was interrupted by injuries.
However, it could be argued that 2021/22 was Keita’s best season to date and with his contract expiring at the end of this season, he will be looking to ensure he makes this campaign a success.
Henderson – Fabinho – Milner
After signing a new one-year contract in the summer, James Milner is now in his eighth year as a Liverpool player.
Many assumed he would be happy to take up a role on the fringes of the first team this season, but Klopp’s recent comments suggest that is not the case.
“I’m not sure what level he can reach this year, to be honest, it looks very promising with Milly,” the Liverpool boss said after the 36-year-old came on to help the Reds win the Community Shield against Man City last month.
A week later, Milner was called up again as Liverpool’s midfield put in an unusually disjointed performance at Fulham.
Having played much of his recent football as a full-back, this time around he was asked to replace Fabinho in the No 6 role and he did very well.
If Klopp wants to add more solidity and ensure his midfield pressing is correct, Milner is the obvious choice.
Time to try the 4-2-3-1?
Liverpool’s decision to sign Nunes has led to theories among supporters that a switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation could be on the cards.
That is yet to materialize and the fact that he hasn’t even been tested during pre-season suggests it’s not something Klopp is considering at the moment.
However, with the addition of Thiago to the ever-growing injury list in Liverpool’s midfield and a performance against Fulham well below par, could this be a good time to try something new?
Klopp certainly has the players at his disposal to do so. Henderson and Fabinho are most likely to form the double point, and you would expect Salah, Nunes and Diaz to start in attack.
Who would fill the role behind Nunes? Roberto Firmino may be the most likely, but his performance at Fulham did him no favours.
Fabio Carvalho has caught Liverpool’s attention playing as a number 10 at Fulham and looks ideal, while Harvey Elliott could also be an option. Food for thought!
Fabinho or Henderson out?
Taking Henderson or Fabinho out of the squad in Thiago’s absence might seem like an odd move, but there’s always the chance that Klopp will completely reshuffle his pack, especially after this performance at Fulham.
Elliott started a few games ahead of Henderson at the start of 2021/22, with the captain joining late in the pre-season following his involvement in the Euros.
With Keita back in the mix, in midfield from him, Fabinho and Elliott could have a good balance.
Having trailed in seven of their last nine games in all competitions, Klopp will want to ensure his side get off the mark against Palace.
Dropping Fabinho or Henderson and using more of his forward midfielders might be a good way to deal with that.
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