As ever over the last few years, we seem to come back to a compromise (and perhaps compromised) midfield to allay problems elsewhere and to compensate for the lack of the 'complete' central midfielder; in this case, hopefully, a short-lived one as Klopp gets his ideas across on the first issue, at least. On the second, the return of Henderson will help, but perhaps not solve the issue.
It seems most likely that most Klopp shapes will have four defenders and a striker. How to arrange the five in between, to protect the defence, support the attack and provide a cohesive flow between the two? It's probably the fundamental issue that Rodgers never solved with this group of players.
So far, it seems, Klopp's immediate idea is almost a Venables Christmas Tree. Lucas will hover just infront of or occasionally drop between the CBs - who don't split anything like the 13/14 Rodgers shape. Milner and Can play surprisingly wide much of the time as the other 'central' midfielders. On occasion, a Southampton counter was able to pass through the centre fairly easily and quickly because our three became one, with the flanking midfielders having half an eye on filling in for marauding fullbacks. If this is to be a long term shape, one might expect us to be prioritising a left footed midfielder sooner rather than later, as Can's effectiveness seems restricted at times playing very close to the left touchline.
But will it be the long term plan, or do we revert to 4231 when we have the players available (or signed) to do it justice?
If and when Sturridge's knees dry out, I'd be increasingly unsurprised to see him tucked in on the right, assuming he's willing to put the effort in, with Benteke taking precedence up top. We still have Coutinho, Lallana and Firmino for the positions in a 'three' (currently two) and, perhaps Origi may be better suited to one of those roles, as he doesn't seem to have the natural movement instincts of a striker (and at some point, Markovic may return).
But do we have a natural midfield two, to permit an attacking three - at least, in the home games we should be dominating? Will we see one on Wednesday? There are probably question marks over every contender for those roles operating in a two and it almost inevitably removes the positives we get from Lucas; Henderson and (maybe, long term) Can perhaps apart. But if we don't, it's not clear that we have enough creativity and goals from the two flanking Lucas, either. Milner and Henderson perhaps in the (relatively) short term, but it still looks a bit... plodding, without being too critical. The Rodgers-era options of Coutinho or Lallana on the side of a diamond don't look like viable options in our brave new world. Where do they all fit - and for how long does Coutinho merit the status of our 'best player' if he isn't?
Meanwhile suddenly the defence looks almost transformed. Sakho had his weakest game under Klopp, but still dominated his direct opponents for most of the game, and Skrtel put in his best performance for some time. Moreno's recovery pace is astonishing - and for all the criticism of his delivery, he put in a beautiful cross in the first half that should have been attacked better. Clyne was a bit timid on the ball, but should progress. Mignolet caught a cross and came out to collect at someone's feet. My TV seemed to be on the blink though, as every overarm throw out appeared to be in slow motion.
On a particularly positive note, I can see that side (with Benteke in for Origi and perhaps Firmino for Coutinho) getting a result at Chelsea.
