The arrival of Mohamed Salah has left Jurgen Klopp with a number of attacking options at Liverpool.Sarah, who joined in a £34.3 million move from Roma, joins an attacking corps that includes Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Adam Lallana, with Philippe Coutinho set to be deployed deeper this season.It’s an enviable group of players; perhaps even the best in the Premier League.But there is a problem for Klopp, of course. Just which three does he pick to play each week?It seems a given that Salah and Mane will start on the flanks but it’s anyone’s guess who will start down the middle. Firmino could act as a false 9 or Sturridge or Origi could play as strikers.Klopp’s side is currently in Hong Kong for the Premier League Asia Trophy, and the matches against Crystal Palace and either Leicester or West Brom will go some way in determining the German’s preferred choices."If [the squad] stays like this, I would say you should perform if you want to play. I cannot decide this. It's the performance that decides it," he said, per ESPN."Hopefully we have the opportunity to do things like this [rotate]. It's always like this but only if you have the opportunity to change so hopefully we have it.”
Klopp was criticised last season for resting players in their FA Cup defeat to Wolves, despite not having European football.Match of the Day host Gary Lineker was the biggest name to call Klopp out, writing on Twitter: “Don't get Klopp playing his reserves with no European football. Shows a lack of knowledge of the depth in English football and respect.”
Klopp's jibe at Lineker
This season, with Champions League fixtures adding to the schedule, presents Klopp with a genuine opportunity to rotate his players.
And the Liverpool boss has taken a jibe at Lineker, six months after the 56-year-old’s initial comment.
"We want to play in three or four competitions as long as even Gary Lineker is happy or whoever,” Klopp added.
“We want to play football for as long as possible and for this we need players. That's the situation."
That sounds like an obvious remark that Klopp is still working to bring in players.
Dominic Solanke is the only other player to have joined this summer and it’s doubtful the 19-year-old will make a big contribution this season.