Interesting discussion. Let's see who has a huge drop-off from our XI
Alisson - Kelleher (decent replacement)
Trent - Neco (Can do a serviceable job, but the problem is Trent is one of our creative hubs, which he cannot replace, but good enough for the Cups)
Matip - Konate (almost like for like)
Virgil - Gomez (Gomez needs run of games to be assessed, which he is not getting, so this could be a question mark. Can do a decent job, but I think we'll lose a bit of organization and aerial superiority here)
Robbo - Tsimikas (good replacement)
Fabi - Hendo (decent replacement, depending on availability of other midfielders)
Hendo - Elliot, Keita, Ox (Elliot could take over long term, just needs to maybe bulk up a bit, and to be assessed after the recovery from injury, Keita, however, needs to improve defensively. Ox can also cover but only to a serviceable extent)
Thiago - Jones (decent replacement)
Salah - Jota, Gordon (Jota is not a literal replacement, but can take over the goal scoring mantle from the left/middle, Gordon can step in for Cup games)
Firmino - Jota, Origi (Jota can do a good job in a different way, Origi - we all know his big moments, but not sure if he can play the role consistently)
Mane - Jota, Minamino (Jota is like for like, Minamino for the Cups)
Looking at that, of all positions, we'd be affected by Virgil's and Trent's absences the most. Also, hope the below combos are never missing together, that would be as big a blow/worse than losing Virgil or Trent
Alisson and Kelleher
Robbo and Tsimi
Fabi and Hendo
Salah and Jota
Anyway, as we are evolving, I don't think we are looking at a definitive spine. We are looking at 11 great players and able replacements for all of them - some like for like, and some with a minor drop-offs.
