The Reds will be looking to reignite their Premier League title chances…
It was always going to be a difficult season. The reintroduction of Champions League football and the additional games that came with it, along with the departure of Luis Suarez, has given Brendan Rodgers a huge challenge.
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If we’re being realistic, you could argue that the fact that we still have a chance of making the top four and winning some silverware before the end of the 2014-15 campaign is a wonderful achievement.
Nonetheless, last season’s success and near-miss on a maiden Premier League title has understandably given us the taste for more. If we’re to achieve that, we’re going to have to strengthen, particularly off the back of several imminent and high-profile departures.
Here’s where we think we need to improve…
5) Goalkeeper
Simon Mignolet has undoubtedly been one of the most improved players in the Premier League since the turn of the year. His return to form since being dropped and then reinstated by Rodgers in December is truly outstanding and beyond anything we could have hoped for. However, we feel that the Belgian needs some top level competition to keep him on his toes and keep him moving in the right direction. Fiorentina’s Neto – out of contract at the end of the season – would be a good fit and has been linked in the past by the Daily Mail.
4) Right-Back
Both Glen Johnson and Jon Flanagan are out of contract at the end of the season and are yet to commit to new deals. The Guardian believes that the exit of Johnson is an inevitability, so Rodgers is likely to want a senior player capable of being a like-for-like replacement. Young Javier Manquillo should be returning for the second-half of his two-year loan deal from Atletico Madrid, while Andre Wisdom will also be back after a season with West Brom. However, one of Barcelona duo Dani Alves or Martin Montoya (via the Daily Express) would be preferable.
3) Out Wide
We lack natural width in our squad, something we will have to improve upon regardless of whether we still with our policy of using wing-backs next season. Jordon Ibe has proved himself a more than suitable option, although Raheem Sterling looks to be more effective when used centrally. Lazar Markovic and Alberto Moreno have both impressed at times this season but a more experienced man working either flank would not go amiss. If we’re being ambitious let’s have Marco Reus (via the Daily Star), more realistically Andre Ayew (via the Daily Mail).
2) Striker
Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert all look set to go this summer (via the Daily Mirror). That leaves only the returning Divock Origi to help Daniel Sturridge lead the line, although Sterling has also proved himself adept at filling in up top. We’ve been linked with a whole host of players, including shock rumours relating to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Radamel Falcao (via The Metro). Unfortunately, it’s hard to predict who we’re realistically going to go for, especially without any clear idea of how much money Rodgers is going to have at is disposal.
1) Central Midfield
We must do the impossible this summer and replace Steven Gerrard. The man widely tipped with filling that role has been Bosnian playmaker Miralem Pjanic, with recent reports from the Daily Mirror claiming a move involving the AS Roma star could definitely happen this summer. With just Joe Allen, Lucas Leiva and Jordan Henderson left to call upon – plus Emre Can if he ever returns from his time as a defensive prodigy – Rodgers will be well aware of the need to strengthen and form a solid base for his attacking talent to build from.
