How Liverpool should line up for the 2023-24 season: Darwin Nunez on the bench and Curtis Jones at No.6

Alisson is Liverpool's undisputed No.1 and arguably the best goalkeeper in the world, which is precisely why Caoimhin Kelleher is looking for a move away from Anfield. The Brazilian was also one of the few Reds to perform anything close to their best last season.

Indeed, even though Alisson was repeatedly let down by his defence, only David de Gea managed to keep more clean sheets than the 30-year-old (14).

Trent Alexander-Arnold is Liverpool's only real option at right-back despite question marks over his defensive qualities - and an ongoing debate over whether he would be better deployed in midfield.

It's hard not to feel a little bit sorry for Alexander-Arnoldat times. He's often caught out of position, but often because he's asked to perform this hybrid role where he serves as an auxiliary midfielder. It's a problem that still hasn't been adequately addressed by Klopp, who has reaffirmed his faith in the local hero by making him vice-captain for the coming campaign.

So, Alexander-Arnold is a certain starter in defence, for now at least.

Because of his strength and, more importantly, his pace, Ibrahima Konate is definitely still the best option to start alongside Virgil van Dijk, although that's maybe not saying a lot given the alternatives are the pace-less Joel Matip and the injury-prone Joe Gomez.

The Frenchman remains worryingly error-prone, and serving as Liverpool's right-sided centre-back is not easy given Alexander-Arnold has the freedom to get forward. But Konate's potential is obvious and if he can hone his powers of concentration, he has everything in his locker to become a top-class centre-back.

Van Dijk may never again be the player he was before being broken up by Jordan Pickford at Goodison Park three years ago, but there were signs last season that he was getting back to something approaching his peerless best.

Klopp certainly seems to think that the Netherlands international will be a fixture in his defence for a few more years yet, having handed Van Dijk the captain's armband after Henderson's summer switch to Saudi Arabia.

Andy Robertson was so out of sorts last season that the Scot's starting spot came under serious pressure from Kostas Tsimikas, even though the Greek is nowhere near Robertson's usual level.

With the ridiculously versatile James Milner having now left, the hope is that last season was just a dip in form rather than evidence of a terminal decline. Sunday should let us know if the real Robertson has returned for 2023-24.

Former Brighton man Mac Allister is certain to go straight into the starting line-up for two key reasons. Firstly, he was one of the best players in the Premier League last season, as well as a key factor in Argentina's World Cup win in Qatar. Secondly, he's been hugely impressive in pre-season, underlining precisely why the £35 million ($45m) signing is being tipped by nearly all and sundry to prove one of the bargains of the season.

Not even Curtis Jones would have anticipated finding himself in this position, as Liverpool's best option in front of the back four on the eve of their Premier League opener. Yet here we are, because of the departures of both Fabinho and Henderson, as well as the club's ongoing inability to sign either Lavia or Caicedo.

Stefan Bajcetic is obviously more familiar with the role, but the 18-year-old Spaniard has only just returned from injury, while Thiago Alcantara is still beset by fitness issues. Klopp did experiment with Mac Allister as a deep-lying midfielder against Darmstadt on Monday, but in truth, though, it would be a waste of the Argentine's attacking attributes.

Jones, then, is the best bet for now, given he has composure, qualities and confidence to do a decent job screening the defence and distributing the ball.

Klopp is pleading for patience when it comes to Szoboszlai, who is still only 22 and, unlike fellow summer signing Mac Allister, a complete newcomer to the Premier League. Therefore, it wouldn't be a huge surprise if the German elects to spare the Hungarian a debut at Stamford Bridge, in light of the enormity of the game and the availability of both Harvey Elliott and the versatile Jones.

However, it would be a serious show of attacking intent were Klopp to call on a player who loves to go forward and is never afraid to have a crack from distance. Still, whether he plays or not, Szoboszlai is destined to become a starter.

Who else but the Egyptian king?Mohamed Salah apparently wasn't at his best yet season, yet only Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe were involved in more goals in all competitions than the winger. He may be 31 now but Salah is showing no signs of slowing down, as illustrated by the numerous assists he racked up in pre-season.

And if he does need a rest at some point - probably during the Europa League group stage - Ben Doak can start in his place and terrorise defences with his direct running.

Both Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez have looked sharp this summer, but Cody Gakpo just feels like the best man to lead the line. His hold-up play is good, he links wonderfully well with those around him and he can finish too.

In truth, there's no replacing Roberto Firmino - the Brazilian was one of a kind - but Gakpo very clearly has the makings of a great and very modern No.9 in his own right.

Nunez is obviously also an option on the left because of his scintillating pace, while Jota and Gakpo are also comfortable out wide. However, Luis Diaz is a proper winger in every sense. He's quick, he's skilful and he's a constant thorn in the side of every full-back that has the misfortune to mark him because of his ingenuity and his industry.

If the Colombian stays fit this year, he could be one of the players of the season.