It's the most wonderful time of the year.
No, not Christmas, Football Manager 2021 is finally here and it couldn't have come sooner! The game we all love is back once again with some great features which will surely mean seeing even less of your family (if that's possible) and even more combing Eastern Europe for that next wonderkid.
If you don't fancy trying to get Doncaster Rovers into the Champions League in under five years and instead prefer to start with a slightly easier challenge then Liverpool could be the perfect way to ease yourself in.
You will need to do some shrewd business though as Liverpool's starting transfer budget is only £18m.
If you feel up to the task of defending the Premier League title then here are the ten things you should do at Liverpool.
1. Bring in Some Much Needed Defensive Cover
When Virgil van Dijk was clattered by Jordan Pickford in the Merseyside derby we were all quick to point out how much of an uphill struggle it would be for Liverpool to defend their Premier League crown. Little did we know that was only the start...
Further injuries to Fabinho, Joe Gomez and Trent-Alexander Arnold and Joel Matip's patchy fitness made the club's decision not to bring in another centre-back over the summer look rather foolish, especially after selling Dejan Lovren.
One of your first tasks will be to bring in a centre-back to add cover for a rainy day.
2. Decide on the Futures of Wijnaldum and Milner
Rumours of a Gini Wijnaldum move to Barcelona were frequent last summer and some thought we could see him leave after Thiago was signed. It's up to you to decide if the £38.5m transfer value is worth cashing in on.
That money could be used to fund a hot prospect for the future and cashing in early would give you chance to get the new signing integrated.
Milner, though a dedicated servant, takes up £145,000 on the wage bill and is not getting any younger at 34.
3. Find the Youngsters Some Game Time
With Harvey Elliott already out on loan and starting to build on his potential you need to have one eye on the career progression of your other top prospects like Neco Williams and Curtis Jones.
Liverpool are not short of central midfielders meaning Jones could lack the necessary game time in the short term. It shouldn't be hard to find a suitable loan club for the local lad, but make sure that he is going to be a regular starter at whoever you send him to.
It's a trickier dilemma with Williams, will he be your go-to man in the cup or does he need a loan spell too?
4. Sell and Replace Adrian
Liverpool fans wince whenever they see Adrian's name in the starting lineup. After coming in for the injured Alisson at the start of last year he made a good impression before things unravelled.
His tendency to come charging out of his goal and giving the ball away has resulted in errors leading to goals and you will need a better back-up keeper if you are to defend the Premier League title.
He's rated at £5m and should be an easy one to get moved on.
5. Sell and Replace Divock Origi
Despite the fact Origi has scored some (very) important goals for Liverpool he has never really been prolific for Liverpool and is one you should move on to help raise some funds.
With the arrival of Minamino, the Belgian is unlikely to get much game time so it surely makes sense to cash in.
6. Clear Out the Reserves
Harry Wilson's loan to Cardiff wasn't what Liverpool wanted this summer.
The plan had been to sell the promising winger on for a huge profit but the economic frugality brought on by the pandemic meant it had to be another loan.
He's not the only one who's long-term future needs sorting.
Marko Grujic is valued at £21m and at 24 should easily be moved on for a decent price.
Loris Karius is also still a Liverpool player and though he is out on loan arranging a future transfer could mean a rainy day fund for the future.
7. Get Naby Keita Firing on All Cylinders
Since arriving at Anfield Keita is one of the only Klopp transfers that hasn't been a resounding success. There's no doubting his ability and when he looks on form he adds a new dimension to Liverpool's midfield.
He has struggled a lot in the past with injuries but if fit there's no reason why he can't be a regular starter. His future could hinge on whatever you choose to do with Milner, Wijnaldum and Jones.
8. Ask The Board For Upgrades
Liverpool's facilities on Football Manager are rated 'superb' but it's still worth asking for an upgrade. If the board turn you down then youth recruitment could be the one to ask for as Liverpool are only rated 'good'.
In order to be the best and remain the best it's vital having top range youth facilities as well as data analysis.
It's also worth asking for the board to expand the stadium as more ticket sales will mean more in the transfer fund.
9. Experiment With Formations
Klopp has experimented recently and has often replaced his standard 4-3-3 with a 4-2-3-1, there's no reason why you can't be even bolder.
A 3-5-2 could work and could offer even more impetus for Andy Robertson and Alexander-Arnold to get further forward.
Selling a big name like Mane or Salah could mean you are easily able to play a different formation and impose your stamp on Klopp's squad.
10. Improve the Scouting Network
Having an extensive and varied scouting network is key in Football Manager and could men the difference between you or your rivals landing that next once in a generation talent.
Having highly rated scouts in places like Eastern Europe often reaps rewards and allows you to get round needing a work permit. Players in this region are often picked up cheap and can turn out to be world class.
Source: 90min
