With all of the talk about the possible addition of Thomas Lemar and Virgil Van Dijk lets look at how it might change the starting 11. The image above shows how a lineup may look with potential new additions Lemar and Van Dijk. This is assuming Coutinho is still out of the lineup, either transferred or "injured".
Virgil Van Dijk would immediately enter the starting fold, beside Matip. That would push Dejan Lovren to the bench but would immediately improve a defense that has been average at times and susceptible to set pieces. For the outside backs, Alexander-Arnold would split time with Joe Gomez and then eventually Nathaniel Clyne when he returns from injury. On the left side, new-comer Andy Robertson would share time with Alberto Moreno who thus far has looked much better.
The mid-field is where things get crowded. If signed, the attacking Thomas Lemar would slot in perfectly behind Roberto Firmino. Lemar would be joined with the pacey Mane and Salah on the outside. Behind them, Captain Jordan Henderson would be joined by Emre Can. Georginio Wijnaldum would be the odd man out. And, when or if Coutinho were to return, that would push another to the reserve list. Emre Can would most likely be the next in line to take a seat. This would lead to having on the bench Wijnaldum, Can, and Milner. Then, when Adam Lallana returns from injury the crowded midfield gets even more complicated.
Next season, Naby Keita will join the crowded midfield which will leave a lot of talent fighting for time on the pitch. Who might be suffering the consequences? Well, some of the names might surprise you. We already mentioned above how Wijnaldum and Can may be pushed to the bench. Emre Can may see the influx of midfielders and choose not to sign a new contract, fleeing Liverpool for more playing time. Adam Lallana may also feel the squeeze. Although he was exceptional at times last season, Lallana will be 30 and has at times struggled with fitness. The last name may be more shocking. If Lemar were to arrive, in addition to Keita next year and especially if Coutinho stays, Captain Jordan Henderson may lose time. He is the captain and often under rated. He has also struggled with nagging injuries that have kept him off the pitch for extended periods of time.
Adding the talent of Naby Keita, along with potentially Thomas Lemar and Virgil Van Dijk leaves Liverpool fans salivating at the promise of a trophy contending squad. At the same time, it will certainly shake-up the roster and may force the departure of several key players.