Mamadou Sakho
Keep: A player who we haven’t seen the best of thus far, mostly due to the injury problems that have plagued the first two years of his career at Anfield. It’s well worth remembering that this was one of the finest young defenders on the planet only a couple of years ago and it should be a long time yet before we’re talking about him leaving.
Sell: If Skrtel and Lovren are the partnership moving forward then you can understand why the Frenchman might want to leave. You shouldn’t read much into his absence against Stoke, which came just days after the birth of his second child, but it’ll be interesting to see what happens if he’s still in this position of uncertainty come January.
Decision: Keep – An important member of the squad who deserves to be first-choice.
Daniel Sturridge
Keep: He should prove to be the perfect partner for Benteke, looking to feed of the knock-downs while also dropping back and linking up with the midfield. His ability to also play out wide could come in handy as the season progresses, considering our lack of natural width up top. If he can stay fit, it could be something special.
Sell: His injury problems have become increasingly frustrating. He’s likely to be one of our highest earners and, as such, should really be guaranteeing us more than seven Premier League starts. He’s a top player with bags of quality but if this summer’s hip operation fails to solve any problems then some serious questions will be asked.
Decision: Keep – Has plenty to offer if he can stay fit, regardless of Benteke’s form up front.
