---
title: "Opinion: Jurgen Klopp should unleash new-look best XI in the San Siro"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/opinion-jurgen-klopp-should-unleash-new-look-best-xi-in-the-san-siro/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2022-02-16T11:15:00Z"
modified: "2022-02-16T11:15:00Z"
---

# Opinion: Jurgen Klopp should unleash new-look best XI in the San Siro

[Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2022/02/16/virals-liverpool-linked-with-spain-starlet-gavi-following-explosion/) manager Jurgen Klopp has long since deferred away from the idea of possessing a favoured XI.

Instead, the German has often insisted that each match presents different challenges that [require alternative solutions](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/447808-jurgen-klopp-q-a-brighton-selection-decisions-lallana-and-more) in terms of team selection – wisely and rightly so.

However, having recently [admitted](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/feb/09/jurgen-klopp-hails-strongest-squad-no-doubt-of-his-liverpool-reign) the current crop at his disposal is the ‘strongest squad’ during his reign as Reds’ boss, with that comes an opportunity to field a perceived best side.

The first chance to do just that comes against [Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League](https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2033898--inter-vs-liverpool/) last 16 first-leg meeting at the San Siro.

Previously the go-to setting would see the tried and tested trio of Mohamed Salah, [Sadio Mane](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2022/02/13/pundit-praises-liverpool-forward-sadio-mane-for-involvement-in-epl-win/) and Roberto Firmino leading the line, but that may now have shifted.

Diogo Jota has become impossible to ignore due to the sheer volume of goals, [performances](https://www.sofascore.com/player/diogo-jota/606164) and impact on any occasion.

The 25-year-old now has [30 goals and four assists](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/diogo-jota/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/340950) in 60 outings for the Reds – including a [sensational hat-trick](https://twitter.com/TheAnfieldTalk/status/1348434879114047496) against Atalanta when flanked by Salah and Mane in Italy previously.

> Diogo Jota’s hat trick vs Atalanta for your late night/early morning viewing… [pic.twitter.com/alrT04hFAY](https://t.co/alrT04hFAY)
>
> — The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) [January 11, 2021](https://twitter.com/TheAnfieldTalk/status/1348434879114047496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

This season Jota has [scored 17 goals and registered three assists](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/diogo-jota/leistungsdaten/spieler/340950) in 31 appearances for Klopp’s side – compared to Firmino’s [11 direct goal contributions](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/roberto-firmino/leistungsdaten/spieler/131789).

In fact, the [22-cap](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/diogo-jota/nationalmannschaft/spieler/340950/verein_id/3300) Portugal ace’s form has led to Ray Parlour [describing](https://talksport.com/radio/listen-again/1644991200/1644998400/) the ‘sensational’ frontman as the ‘best number nine’ in the world at the moment.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Albeit the [influence of Firmino](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/24/klopp-highlights-roberto-firminos-importance-to-liverpools-orchestra) on those around remains apparent, Jota has usurped the Brazilian in recent months.

That doesn’t mean either one has to start every game from here on out – not to mention[Luis Diaz’s likely say](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jurgen-klopp-luis-diaz-liverpool-23110744) on the matter – but for this match, it would be a surprise to see Jota not involved from the outset.

Regardless of who gets the nod, it’s just refreshing to have a high calibre of options once again after a [season full of injuries](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-injuries-premier-league-rivals-20562795) in 2020/21.

Predicted XI: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Thiago; Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota.

Predicted Subs: Caoimhin Kelleher, Adrian, Joe Gomez, Naby Keita, Roberto Firmino, Takumi Minamino, Divock Origi, Harvey Elliott, Kostas Tsimikas, Ibrahima Konate, James Milner, Luis Diaz.