Lots of us like to play 5-a-side football in our spare time, but have you ever considered how the team you support would line-up if they were limited to five players?
Based on current form, and with a formation of one goalkeeper, one defender, two midfielders and one striker, we at Shoot thought it would be interesting to see who would make the grade for each Premier League outfit.
Here’s what we came up with for Liverpool…
Goalkeeper:
Simon Mignolet
You always want a strong, dependable keeper between the sticks, and despite receiving some criticism, Liverpool’s first choice number 1 has certainly proved that in 2015 by keeping the most clean sheets.
The Belgian stopper is agile and has quick reflexes – ideal for the smaller-sized goals.
Defender:
Skrtel scores Liverpool’s fourth goal in their brilliant win at the Etihad.
Martin Skrtel
In most 5-a-side teams you want a destroyer in defence that attackers can’t get past, and if you’re picking one from the Foxes, it would be their centre-back, Skrtel.
The Slovakia international is strong, would provide a big presence on the smaller pitch and has a rocket of a shot, as proved against Manchester City last month.
Midfielders:
Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian has shown his value to Jurgen Klopp’s side with his assisting and finishing this term, and was an instant pick for our team.
Blessed with pace, quick feet and trickery that could get him out of the tightest of situations, he would be the creative force going forward.
James Milner
Milner has captained Liverpool in Jordan Henderson’s absence in a number of games this season.
While Coutinho would be the creator in the middle of the field, you need that player alongside him that will break-up the play too, and on current form we would have Milner in our starting line-up.
The midfielder’s work rate, and his ability to intercept and win the ball back would be a crucial part of the team.
Striker:
Christian Benteke
He may have spent a chunk of the season on the sidelines because of injury, but Benteke is Liverpool’s form striker, in the Premier League at least.
The Belgium international is strong as an ox and has shown he can be a clinical finisher with his goals-to-games ratio since he moved to England.
Who would be in yours?