'Fabinho form key to it all'
Paul Gorst: The arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are two sizable bricks that are now almost in place for Liverpool's 'Great Engine Room Rebuild' of 2023.
And while both will complement each other as the pair of 'No.8s' ahead of a more defensively-minded midfielder, a lot rests of the long-term form of Fabinho.
If the Brazilian can rediscover the sort of momentum that made him one of the finest in Europe in that position, then the Reds will have a formidable midfield next season. Add in the prospect of a fit and purring Thiago Alcantara and the Trent Alexander-Arnold element and it's a potentially mouth-watering one.
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Personally, I still feel a new defensive midfielder is needed to really rival Fabinho, even if the omens for Stefan Bacjetic's development are positive. And while I am looking forward to seeing Thiago hopefully strut his stuff on a more regular basis next season, if he can keep fit, I think his deployment as a No.6 will only be introduced in games when Liverpool are expected to truly dominate possession at Anfield.
For now, it's Fabinho, Mac Allister and Szobozslai with the option of adding Alexander-Arnold into the mix.
'New recruits ideal for new system with future wildcard possible'
Sean Bradbury: Liverpool's midfield rebuild is off to a flyer with Alexis Mac Allister secured and Dominik Szoboszlai checking in.
It remains to be seen if more fresh faces will join that £95m duo.
But already it appears Jurgen Klopp is committing to the 'box midfield' setup that saw the Reds belatedly prosper at the end of last season.
Both new recruits look ideal for the two more attacking roles in that system.
So my idea of a 'first-choice' engine room for this term would see Trent Alexander-Arnold in his new 'inverted full-back' gig, alongside Fabinho in the deeper positions.
Ahead of them would be Mac Allister and Szoboszlai.
Curtis Jones proved that he can thrive in this structure with his strong recent run of form, and will hope to push for more starts too.
Jordan Henderson tried his best taking up the advanced right-sided slot after Klopp's big tweak in 2022/23, but I'm not convinced that is where we will see him much going forward. Instead, rotating in as a no.6 and making an impact from the bench in the traditional James Milner style may be his best route to game time.
Should Liverpool seal a deal for hot prospect Khephren Thuram, that opens up the exciting possibility of eventually bringing a more progressive ball carrier into the double pivot. But that tactical wildcard can wait.
For now - it is Fabinho, Alexander-Arnold, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai as my starting four.
'Szoboszlai opens up new avenues'
James Quinlan: The addition of Szoboszlai will open up multiple different avenues for Klopp.
The German may have to be adaptable if his new 3-2-5 formation doesn't work out like it did during the club's 11-match unbeaten run to sign off from a sorry season, but ultimately the best way to live is 'if it ain't broke, don't try and fix it.'
That's why Mac Allister and Szoboszlai should be utilised as starting midfield enforcers behind an interchangeable front three made up of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota.
Behind those two will be Alexander-Arnold operating in his hybrid role, partnered with either one of Fabinho or Khephren Thuram, should the signing be completed.
As for the remaining midfielders, added depth will allow Klopp to get the best out of Thiago with less opportunity to pick up injuries. He can slot into the defensive or attacking roles.
Jones and Stefan Bajcetic will hopefully be given game time to aid their development, whilst Henderson can take up the mantle of the departed James Milner, coming in when only absolutely necessary.
However, as hinted to, if Liverpool revert to a 4-3-3 at any point, it would not be a crazy suggestion to stick Alexander-Arnold at right centre mid as he was used with England, whilst Szoboszlai can rotate with Salah on the right flank.
Ultimately, my starting four is Fabinho, Alexander-Arnold, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai.
