For some, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

The mania of the transfer window is in full effect. Even with Jurgen Klopp's public declaration Liverpool are unlikely to further incoming business this summer – a stance which, admittedly, he is open to changing if the right opportunity presents itself – the ghosts of past and future linger, with Nabil Fekir and Christian Pulisic still dominating the conversation online and elsewhere.

But it is the present which matters most, ultimately, and the players who have already adopted the infamous Melwood lean. The process of fitting them into the Liverpool line-up has not only started on the training field, but the likes of Twitter and Facebook too.

A common practice as the season edges near its start is to hypothesise over possible a possible starting 11. This is how Liverpool could line up; here is how Klopp could shape his side.

And so it has begun. Alisson Becker, the world's most expensive goalkeeper, is an obvious starting point. The new midfield duo of Naby Keita and Fabinho are also obvious admissions, given their near £93million cost.

Yet the third midfielder of the 4-3-3 is where fans differ, although one name is becoming more commonplace above all others, with Xherdan Shaqiri taking up a no.10 role, Keita and Fabinho sitting behind.

The Swiss international's stock is rising right now, much like how his left boot did to connect with a stunning overhead kick against Manchester United. A 'debut' to remember, a goal to never forget.

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Yet one 45-minute cameo, albeit a spectacular one, is not enough to disrupt one constant in the Reds' impressive 2017/18. Not quite yet, anyway.

(Image: JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP/Getty Images)

Jordan Henderson is the club captain. In terms of minutes played in the Premier League, he was fifth-highest behind the front three and Gini Wijnaldum, putting to rest the question marks over his durability.

Henderson also averaged more passes than any other player aside from Virgil van Dijk, and bettered everybody in terms of long balls, an essential skill given the emphasis Klopp's system puts on counter-attacking. In terms of midfielders, per 90 minutes, he averaged more interceptions than any other, too.

The no.6 role in a Klopp side cannot be defined in simple terms, but given Henderson was excellent at both stopping attacking and initiating them with long passes, he remains vital to the way Liverpool play.

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Add this into a strong World Cup, where he was lauded for his performances, as well as the small matter of leading his club side into a Champions League final, and his omission into these hypothetical line-ups is all the more baffling.

Henderson has his detractors, of course. In truth, he will never shake them off. Some of the criticism he receives is unfair, in particular relating to his sideways passing and supposed lack of leadership; some of the criticism, including his defensive instinct and failure to produce figures towards goal in terms of goals and assists, is fairer.

(Image: Liverpool FC)

Now 28, he is one of the squad's elder statesmen, and has been at the club longer than anybody else. He is a player in-tune with what Klopp demands and is familiar with the pressures of Anfield. Crucially, he is familiar with both his manager's style of play and that of the Premier League in general.

The midfielder won't line up in every game in the upcoming season, but it is likely he will feature in plenty. Indeed, Klopp has spoken already this pre-season about how Fabinho will need time to adapt to his surroundings, and might need time to settle in.

Henderson is a surefire bet in a campaign where few risks can be taken. His expected absence against West Ham on the opening day already is a setback; his familiarity, amongst his other obvious qualities, would have been welcome against the new-look, energised visitors.

It is a big season for him, with Fabinho in direct competition for his favoured position; at £39.3million, the Brazilian won't be expected to warm the bench much. Although Henderson, Fabinho and Keita can fit into the same midfield, it could be considered a safer, more robust option. One to utilise, perhaps, in bigger games. But the armband does not guarantee him a starting spot, and he will have to fight to keep his place in the side.

(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

He has not relinquished it just yet, despite what some want to see from their Liverpool side this season. It is not a problem exclusive to Henderson, and reflects on the need to satiate the desire to see something new and fresh. Shaqiri is exciting, he is different, he scores bicycle kicks against United. New signings are often craved over the more regular, routine faces; few things are sexier in football than the unknown.

Klopp's selection will be not be coloured by such things. Henderson might be missing in Liverpool fans' dream team, but he won't be far from his manager's thoughts.

He is the one player forgotten in the club's £170million summer spend, but he hasn't been forgotten by the man who matters most.