In the best case scenario, how Liverpool would line up in 2023–24 without Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham appears unlikely to be included in Liverpool’s impending massive midfield makeover.

Starting in midfield, Nicolo Barella’s name has been mentioned in the media for months on end, despite the fact that Liverpool is no longer linked with a superstar player.

The Italian midfielder has nearly achieved everything in his career, including the Scudetto, the Coppa Italia, the European Championship in London—all against England.

It is simple to understand why the talented midfielder is well-liked among Milan’s blue and black section. He is a very dynamic player who appears to have spent the entire 90 minutes sprinting up and down the right channel, participating in every aspect of the game, and never running away from a challenge.

Before a match against the Italian juggernauts last year, Jurgen Klopp praised him, saying: “He has all the things you want from a midfield player – he’s aggressive, he’s technically (good), he can run for ages and all these kinds of things – so he’s a top-class player.”

It’s simple to imagine Barella rapidly becoming a Merseyside fan favorite, his unwavering dedication and energy winning over supporters and personifying the kind of play Klopp and Liverpool have grown to be known for.

Mason Mount, a recent graduate of Chelsea’s school and a previous fan favorite, might be seated next to Barella on the left side of a midfield three.

The Cobham graduate has been linked to a move to Liverpool since the new year, according to persistent rumors. His likely departure from his childhood club is due in part to management turnover (Chelsea has a history of this), reduced playing time, and subpar results.

Since his current deal is slated to end in the summer of 2019, Chelsea will try one more time to sell him before he can depart for free the following summer. There is speculation that his idol Frank Lampard’s return may throw a wrench in the plans, but there is little likelihood that the former Everton manager will still be in control come summer, raising questions about what kind of influence the temporary manager might have.

In 2019, Klopp provided his own assessment of the player: “Mason Mount, for sure £60million, if not more, Callum Hudson-Odi was worth that already.”

I’d anticipate the fee to be substantially lower than that right now given the pressure to decide this summer and the relatively low salary of £75,000 per week.

Even though his recent performances have not been up to par, the player has demonstrated throughout his stint in the Premier League that he is capable of performing at this level. His playing style doesn’t lend itself to the traditional figures of goals and assists, but when he was a regular for the Blu, Mount frequently played the pass before the assist.

He would be an excellent addition to the Liverpool team because of his movement, which is comparable to Barella’s. He helps his teammates find space by pressing and harrying opponents. On that left side, he would surely have competition, but his constant running and pressuring would wonders for the side’s aging youth.

I wouldn’t anticipate any substantial additions to the attacking alternatives this summer; Roberto Firmino, a legendary player for Liverpool, is the lone notable departure.

The board has just recently made a sizable financial commitment to the squad’s front line. You shouldn’t anticipate any fresh faces in the offensive line-up come September 1st, despite of the money saved by canceling the Bellingham deal. Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo have all made their Liverpool debuts in the previous two and a half years.

Mohammed Salah will start on the right side of the field next season, which is the least stunning prediction of all. Despite having a more dismal year this season by his own high standards, he still managed to score 24 goals across all competitions.

Darwin Nunez, a former player for Benfica, should still be down the center. Although head-butting a player on your Anfield debut maybe isn’t the best course of action, the Uruguayan hasn’t had the easiest adjustment. However, as the season has progressed, he has begun to settle in, and with 18 goal involvements in 36 games, he is deserving of another.

The left side is a little more intriguing because Klopp has alternated between Nunez, Jota, and occasionally Gakpo while Diaz was out due to injury. The Colombian is without a doubt Liverpool’s finest option on the left, so Klopp must give him an opportunity to establish himself once he’s back in shape.

Next, let’s talk about the backline. Despite the exaggerated criticism Trent Alexander-Arnold has received this season and the not at all ludicrous cries for Andy Robertson’s head for having the nerve to block the linesman’s elbow, don’t anticipate a change in the defensive starting lineup.

Unquestionably, the defense, which appeared invincible a year ago, has had a bad season. It won’t help, though, to play 63 or so games in a season and be protected by a defenseless midfield.