Liverpool's ideal starting XI for the 2014-15 season

 Brendan Rodgers will have to make sure Liverpool overcome the absence of Luis SuarezIt was on the 5th of May of 2014 at the Selhurst Park in London, that Liverpool’s first serious title challenge in nearly half a decade, ended with a whimper.  The enduring image of that day is that of Steven Gerrard picking up a tearful Luis Suarez, the lynchpin of the team. Suarez was at the heart of everything that Liverpool signified under Brendan Rodgers last year.Goals, speed, tactical flexibility and the willingness to work their socks off, was something which endeared the team to neutrals all over the world. And, Suarez was the epitome of everything good about that team. So, there was bound to be a lot of talk once El Pistolero exited Melwood for Catalunya.What will Rodgers do without him? Will Liverpool become a Tottenham clone, replacing their undisputed star with a host of players who’ll take time to adapt? And, why oh why, did they sign Mario Balotelli? Or more importantly, how will the team line-up without their undisputed talisman?Tactical fluidity: One thing that stood out about the team last year, especially after Christmas, was that they could change their shape and system in the blink of an eye. And, I’m not just talking about the front 3, but about the midfield as well.The team played a 4-3-3 during Sturridge’s absence, a more solid 4-2-3-1 during Suarez’s absence, and, a 3-5-2 during Coutinho’s absence. But, when they were all fit and firing, Rodgers more or less chose a diamond 4-4-2 formation with two strikers and either Sterling or Coutinho at the tip of the diamond. Rodgers was effortlessly able to change this shape as and when required – and incredibly, without any change in personnel.And this is the way they should play this season too, like the Spurs game last week proved. Let’s take a look at Liverpool’s ideal starting XI in a 4-4-2 diamond formation, for the 2014-15 season.Note: The views are the author’s own and don’t reflect those of the website. Readers are free to post their teams in the comments section.4-4-2 Diamond 

#1 Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet

A no-brainer to begin with. Ever since arriving at Anfield, Mignolet has had a polarizing effect on the Liverpool faithful. Brilliant double saves against Stoke on his debut were followed by not-so-brilliant performances in the crunch matches against City and Chelsea. A fantastic shot-stopper, the Belgian has a long way to go as far as decision making and distribution is concerned.

Also, he received a lot of flak for being indecisve during set pieces last season, akin to what Iker Casillas is being criticised of right now. Another facet of his game that he’s got to improve upon is his composure under pressure from the opposition forwards. He was caught out time and time again last year, only to escape narrowly. 

A promising goalie, Mignolet is here to stay. And till serious competition is brought in, he’ll be the first name on the team sheet. Serving as an understudy to Thibaut Courtois in the national team is sure to spur him onto get better and will only help his technique and confidence. And, as to whether he’s better than Pepe Reina, well, the jury is still out.