Claudio Ranieri marked his return to English football - he is now the manager of Leicester City - after an 11-year absence by referencing his nickname and noting that every manager is a Tinkerman now.

As squad rotation has become the norm, so they are but few indulge in tactical tinkering quite like Brendan Rodgers.

Liverpool endured a season of systemic switches last year. The left-field 3-4-2-1 formation seemed their salvation before it was unlocked and its flaws exposed as their campaign collapsed.

Last season's failings were not just due to him. Poor recruits such as Mario Balotelli and Lazar Markovic were not his choices, although Dejan Lovren certainly was.

Now, Rodgers has seven of his own additions and the chance to reshape his team. He will stand or fall on his own choices.

Pre-season has entailed an experiment with a midfield diamond that worked so well during their title challenge in the 2014/15 season. However, Rodgers seems to have settled on 4-3-3.

With Daniel Sturridge likely to be sidelined for some, if not much, of the season, he need not worry about how to accommodate a strike partnership just yet.

Hence, Christian Benteke, the second-most expensive player in Liverpool's history, will be the spearhead. The question then is deciding which players will offer craft or graft in their supply line.

There are five other positions to fill in the midfield and forward line. Four players seem shoo-ins.

Captain Jordan Henderson and new recruit James Milner should offer energy in the midfield.

Brazilians Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino will be counted on to provide creativity in more advanced roles.

The Copa America has restricted their roles in pre-season, as Adam Lallana, Jordon Ibe and Markovic have deputised.

There is a chance that Coutinho could be used in a deeper berth but his form as a No. 10 made him Liverpool's Player of the Year last season. Firmino, too, may prefer a role off Benteke in a narrow 4-3-3.

Lallana cost £25 million (S$53.6 million) but flattered to deceive and should be sidelined by greater talents.

Ibe, while young, is alone in offering genuine width, and could be used in a contingency plan.

Danny Ings, who produced his best Burnley form in a strike duo last season, almost certainly will be. His selection would require different tactics.

A further issue for Rodgers to resolve is the composition of his midfield. Milner has had freedom to go forward in friendlies and has scored. Henderson, too, prefers a box-to-box role.

So does Emre Can, who showed his potential in defence last season before his unfamiliarity with the position was exposed.

Lucas Leiva is the only natural holding player in Rodgers' squad. He has not always been a favourite of the manager, so Milner may be asked to anchor the midfield.

But second-guessing Rodgers is difficult, who is notable for unexpected decisions. They can be brilliant or they can backfire.

If they bomb this season, it will probably be his last.