This season cannot end soon enough for Liverpool.

The minimum aim of a top four finish is gone, the European return was a nightmare, the spectre of Steven Gerrard leaving has been hanging over Anfield for too long and Raheem Sterling’s transfer saga has descended into lunacy.

However, there’s always next time, and with a few choice additions the Reds could mount a real challenge for Champions League qualification and build a side as impressive as the 2013/14 offering.

So, here is the XI Brendan Rodgers could be fielding in a few months’ time in the much-desire 4-4-2 diamond set-up…

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GK – Simon Mignolet

Say what you want about Mignolet’s command of his area and consistency, but 14 clean sheets – the most in the Premier League this term – is the ultimate marker of his influence between the sticks.

Okay, a solid backline since the turn of the year has helped, but the Belgian appears to have come through, possibly, the most difficult spell of his career – the run up to Christmas – a stronger player. There have been links with alternatives, but Mignolet deserves the nod again for next term.

RB – Martin Montoya

With Glen Johnson on his way out of Anfield and this set-up the much-demanded 4-4-2 diamond, attacking full-backs are needed. Montoya is a player being linked with a switch to Merseyside, and the Barcelona man appears to fit the bill well in a Rodgers team.

Capable of getting forward down the wing, but also reliable in his own third, the Spaniard is a great option and could be a bargain due to his plight at the Nou Camp.

CB – Martin Skrtel

The big Slovakian has often been critics for his wresting in the area and lack of pace on the turn, but he’s been a colossus in a fairly disappointing Liverpool season. Strong, commanding and a genuine leader – he captains his nation – the 30-year-old is a senior figure at the club now, so his influence with Steven Gerrard going could be key.

CB – Inigo Martinez

Although an impressive centre-back, Mamadou Sakho cannot be relied upon to stay injury-free for extended periods of a season, so Liverpool may need to look elsewhere.

Genuine links with defenders have been few and far between so far, but Martinez appears to be a player being looked at. Having only just turned 24, his position as a La Liga regular at Real Sociedad is impressive, as is his status as a full Spain international – albeit he has only one cap.

LB – Alberto Moreno

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Despite being defensively suspect, Moreno still makes the cut. The young Spaniard was a late summer addition last year, and despite the hype he’s largely disappointed.

There was the excellent goal at Spurs, but the full-back has found coping with the physicality of the Premier League tricky, while lapses in concentration have been punished. However, we’d like to think that the 22-year-old will learn from his debut campaign and come back stronger.

DM – Arturo Vidal

With Steven Gerrard off to America, Liverpool need a commanding midfielder to run the show, and it seems that the club are aware of this, with Vidal a £25m target.

The Chilean has struggled with knee problems over the course of the past few years, but at 27 he’s in his peak, which is what the Reds need. Energetic, able to get forward and keen to put in a strong tackle, the South American could be the future of the Kop midfield.

CM – Jordan Henderson

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Captain in waiting, Henderson has to make the XI. The Former Sunderland man has come on leaps and bounds after a questionable debut season under Kenny Dalglish and appears to be adding goals to his game.

A willing runner and a neat passer, Henderson may not be a ‘box office’ player, but he has looked impressive without Steven Gerrard hogging the limelight, so he may be able to take the next step in 2015/16.

CM – James Milner

Seemingly a nailed on deal, Milner looks to be heading down the M62 from Manchester to Liverpool on a free transfer. A major stipulation in this seems to be his desire to play central midfield, so that would suggest that Rodgers is willing to offer him his desired role.

Despite being shifted into almost every position in the sky blue shirt, Milner’s best position is, arguably, central, which he showed in the latter months of his spell at Aston Villa.

AM – Philippe Coutinho

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It may be a bit petty, but Raheem Sterling gets nowhere near this XI. Coutinho has out-performed the England international – who may well not be at Anfield in a few months’ time – across the campaign, and looks to be the player Rodgers wants to build his side around.

Dynamic, intelligent and incisive with his passing, putting the Brazilian in the ‘No.10’ role could get the best from his skill set now he’s found a level of consistency.

ST – Alexandre Lacazette

Undoubtedly the issue for Liverpool this season has been goals. Right now the Reds are 50 off their haul of last term (101), and it appears extremely unlikely that even a dent on the void will be registered against Stoke on Sunday. Lacazette appears to guarantee goals.

The Frenchman has 27 in Ligue 1 action for Lyon to his name this term – only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have higher totals in Europe’s top five leagues – making him one of the most dangerous options out there. Liverpool are thought to be interested…

ST – Daniel Sturridge

Even though he’s made of glass, Sturridge makes this team. If he can be kept fit –that’s a big IF – the England international is lethal in front of goal and provides skill and presence from the front.

This season may have been a horrendous blip in terms of fitness, with serious surgery having been performed and medical professionals having looked into the consistent problems he’s had.