Philippe Coutinho and Emre Can were given extended summer holidays following their involvements in the Copa America and U21 European Championships respectively, but both players have now returned to Melwood to begin their pre-season preparations.
Obviously neither player was available for our pre-season tour down under, so were absent for our successful clashes against the likes of Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United.
They are both likely to be among the first names on the team sheet heading into the new season though, with the duo proving themselves instrumental in any success we had last campaign.
Check out the picture below:
Can was utilised in a number of positions last season, from right-back to central midfield. He will face more competition since the signings of Nathaniel Clyne and James Milner from Southampton and Manchester City respectively, but he has the quality to compete for a starting spot.
You’d argue that there are no players in our current squad who could displace Coutinho, especially if he continues playing the way he did last season. Despite the signing of Roberto Firmino and the fine pre-season form of Adam Lallana, the Brazilian should make the No.10 spot his own in the upcoming campaign.