Picking a Best Liverpool XI Using Only One Player of Each Nationality
One thing manager Jurgen Klopp has improved at Liverpool in his time in charge so far is the Reds' squad depth, meaning there will be some tough decisions for the German to make when all his players are available.
Roberto Firmino has been preferred as Klopp's No. 9 up front this season, but some fans may claim Daniel Sturridge should be starting when he's fit.
Klopp has frozen out Mamadou Sakho, but some fans may prefer to see the Frenchman in ahead of Dejan Lovren at centre-back.
Such decisions are what Klopp is paid to make—but imagine if he had to make them while only being allowed to pick one player from each nation? That's the task we're setting here.
Criteria
So here's the deal; only one player per nationality—that's the FIFA-approved, national-team-representing, one-flag-per-player nationality.
If we included players from all time, this would probably be a bit too easy, so we're only allowing players from 2000/01 onwards—but the current squad are included.
We're going for a 4-2-3-1 formation—as Rafael Benitez's 2008/09 side feature heavily in our lineup—but feel free to select your own.
Goalkeeper: Jerzy Dudek, Poland
Liverpool have hardly been blessed with talented goalkeepers in their recent history, and ideally we'd have Pepe Reina in goal in this XI—but including the Reds' best stopper of the last 20 years would mean no room for other Spaniards in the team.
Dudek was a good goalkeeper but prone to the odd high-profile mistake—something that seems to be a common issue for Liverpool 'keepers of late.
But the Pole wrote his name into the Anfield history books with his heroics in the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul and therefore earns his place in this lineup.
Right-back: Markus Babbel, Germany
We had to get a German in the team, and we're going for the Markus Babbel of the treble-cup winning season of 2000/01.
Babbel played a remarkable 60 games that season, contributing six goals as Gerard Houllier's side won the FA Cup, UEFA Cup and League Cup. The defender's experience proved vital for the French manager's young squad.
Sadly, he was struck down with Guillain-Barre syndrome early the following season, a condition that affects muscle weakness and saw him miss a year of action before being unable to return to the same level of form.
Centre-back: Sami Hyypia, Finland
An easy choice at centre-back is Sami Hyypia—the bargain buy signed by Houllier in 1999 for just £2.5 million.
The Finn went on to make 464 appearances for the Reds over 10 seasons, chipping in with 35 goals and winning the Champions League, UEFA Cup, FA Cup (twice) and League Cup.
A leader at the back, good in the air and capable on the ball, Hyypia made up for his lack of pace with his speed of mind and easily earns his place in this XI. That he's Finnish makes his inclusion all the more easier.
Centre-back: Daniel Agger, Denmark
Alongside Hyypia we're going for Daniel Agger. The two formed a good partnership under Benitez, but unfortunately persistent injuries for the Dane restricted the two of them combining more often.
Agger's ball-playing ability and wand of a left foot made him an ideal left-sided centre-back and complemented Hyypia perfectly.
Of course, he also scored some tasty goals in his time.
Left-back: John Arne Riise, Norway
Providing more eye-catching goals with a left boot in defence is John Arne Riise at left-back.
Liverpool haven't had much joy with left-backs this century, so Riise's inclusion is fairly straightforward in any theoretical XI.
Liverpool have had six Norwegians in their history—but the likes of Frode Kippe, Bjorn Tore Kvarme, Oyvind Leonhardsen, Vegard Heggem and Stig Inge Bjornebye aren't exactly challenging Riise for a place in this team.
Central midfield: Xabi Alonso, Spain
By not putting Reina in goal, it's allowed us to select Xabi Alonso in midfield. The Spaniard oozes class and quality, and he was the perfect link player between Liverpool's defence and their attacking duo of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres under Benitez in the late 2000s.
Liverpool have had plenty of quality Spaniards, not least Reina and Torres, but Alonso is perhaps the one still most fondly remembered on Merseyside.
Central midfield: Javier Mascherano, Argentina
Alongside Alonso, and again complementing his partner, is Javier Mascherano—another player Liverpool have struggled to replace since selling him to Liga giants Barcelona under former owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks.
Mascherano provides the mettle in midfield alongside Alonso's passing range. The Argentina international's competitive spirit and winning mentality are required in any top team.
Attacking midfield: Steven Gerrard, England
No modern-era Liverpool XI can be without Steven Gerrard. The iconic midfielder lining up in front of Alonso and Mascherano means a reunion for the so-called "best midfield in the world"—as Liverpool fans used to sing.
Incredibly, the trio only lined up together three times for the Reds. Imagine them having a few years together to dominate midfields?
Gerrard, of course, offers the goalscoring and creativity in a roaming role ahead of the holding midfield duo. He gets the nod ahead of other Englishmen such as Jamie Carragher, Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen.
Right-forward: Dirk Kuyt, Netherlands
Another from the late 2000s Benitez era is Dirk Kuyt—the cult hero who earned his place in Liverpool's hearts after a rocky start at Anfield.
Moving from a centre-forward role to the right of midfield, the Dutchman provided plenty of important goals, especially in European games.
Here, he'd be able to play closer to the centre-forward—as Sadio Mane has been this season under Klopp—meaning more chance of goals for the Dutchman.
Sorry, this selection means there's no room for Erik Meijer up front now.
Left-forward: Philippe Coutinho, Brazil
The one player selected from the current squad, Philippe Coutinho gets the nod on the left of our front three.
The only Brazilian who may have challenged Coutinho's place is Firmino, but for now the former Inter Milan man is deserving of this spot.
Cutting in from the left, he's another who would supply plenty of goals and assists.
Centre-forward: Luis Suarez, Uruguay
Completing the lineup is arguably Liverpool's most exciting player of the past decade. During the 2013/14 season, Luis Suarez elevated the game of all those players around him.
What he's gone on to achieve with Barcelona has shown his quality further.
One of only two Uruguayans to appear for the Reds—the other being Sebastian Coates—Suarez's inclusion is extremely straightforward.
Who would make your combined Liverpool XI comprised of one player from each country? Leave your comments and choices below or reply on social media.
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