Liverpool FC: Picking a First-Choice XI to Include Craig Bellamy

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The return of Craig Bellamy to Liverpool once again has the selection issue for Kenny Dalglish continuing to grow ever more complex.

However, the Reds needed another player that could be used in both an attacking or wide role with only Stewart Downing and their single designated out and out winger.

Bellamy has played in a number of roles over the years, and with his skill and experience he will make a great addition for the club.

During his first time with the club Bellamy was deployed mainly as an attacking forward by Rafael Benitez but could be seen in multiple positions under Dalglish. The Scottish manager is sure to move the Welshman around in the lineup depending on his strategy from game to game.

All that having been said, here are five different lineups that could see Bellamy in the first-team XI.

4-4-2 Craig Bellamy and Andy Carroll Up Top

The Original Mutt and Jeff Pairing for Bellamy at Liverpool
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Once upon a time, the Reds had a different giant patrolling the top line of their attack. He now will be set to make his debut at Stoke City against his former Red employers. Yes, Peter Crouch was the main man up front when Craig Bellamy was a Liverpool player once before.

With that in mind, we could see his attacking tenacity as a smaller striker be paired up with Liverpool's newest height privileged striker, Andy Carroll in a reminiscence of old.

Carroll has been a major target for crosses and Bellamy provides a great presence close by to take a shot off of those knock down headed balls from the Geordie.

Liverpool Starting XI: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Enrique; Henderson, Lucas, Gerrard, Downing; Carroll, Bellamy.

4-4-2 Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt Reunion

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Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt had some great times up front with the Dutchman and Welshman showing great skill on the ball multiple times during the 2006-07 season.

While it would take some major injuries or an extenuating circumstance to possibly see this partnership, it is a definite possibility that Dalglish could call on his two over 30 attackers.

During lower table league fixtures or in Carling and FA Cup ties I think it to be around a 30 percent chance that we see Bellamy and Kuyt start upfront together.

Liverpool Starting XI: Reina; Kelly, Skrtel, Coates, Aurelio; Downing, Adam, Gerrard, Suarez; Kuyt, Bellamy.

4-2-3-1 Bellamy on the Right Flank

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Bellamy's versatility is another reason that Kenny Dalglish wanted him to come back to Anfield.

He has shown his ability to play out wide just as well as up front in a striking role. This could see him deployed out wide right in a European style solo striker formation.

Liverpool Starting XI: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Enrique; Lucas, Adam; Bellamy, Gerrard, Downing; Suarez.

4-3-3 All Out Attack Bellamy as Right Forward

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The Reds have shown a rebirth of their all out pass and move attacking style under Kenny Dalglish, and Bellamy could benefit from that.

Bellamy was known as a spitfire for the Reds in his previous tenure on Merseyside, and he has had that same reputation around the league for the majority of his career.

This could earn him a place in a right forward position in tangent with both Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez in attack if Dalglish opts for a three-forward front supported by a three-man centralized midfield.

Liverpool Starting XI: Reina; Kelly, Carragher, Agger, Enrique; Henderson, Gerrard, Adam; Bellamy, Carroll, Suarez.

4-4-1-1 Play Makers Delight With Suarez and Bellamy

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Bellamy's reputation as a spark in the right direction for teams over the years could see him be put into a shared play makers role upfront with Luis Suarez.

Most likely it would see Bellamy play in behind Suarez with Steven Gerrard in support of the two of them.

That trio could prove to be a torturous trifecta of scoring ability against their foes in the League and both cup races.

Liverpool Starting XI: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Enrique; Henderson, Adam, Gerrard, Downing; Bellamy; Suarez.

Conclusions

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Craig Bellamy has a varied skill set that could see him fill multiple roles for Kenny Dalglish and Liverpool now that he has returned.

Whether it be a striker, winger, playmaker or super sub, the Welshman is sure to be a spark plug in waiting for the Reds and could be seen as a transfer of the season come next may.

 

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