Four likely destinations for James Rodriguez this summer

#3 Liverpool

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - UEFA Champions League Final

This might seem like a less likely prospect, given the stability at Anfield. However, a closer look at Liverpool's play would reveal the lack of creativity in the middle of the park.

For all their industrialism, grit and tenacity, it is imperative to note that virtually all of the current Liverpool midfielders are similar type of players, who offer next to no threat in the opposition box on a regular basis.

Proof of this lies in the fact that beyond their much vaunted front three of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, no other player in the squad achieved double figures in goals, with James Milner (their designated penalty taker) being the next highest goalscorer with seven goals and six assists in all competitions, while Divock Origi's three-goal cameo in the Champions League was enough to see him tie with Milner for fourth spot on the goalscorers' chart.

Between Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Fabinho and Naby Keita, the quartet managed just six assists in all competitions, and this lack of creativity in the middle was augmented by full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson, who provided 25 assists in all competitions.

While Jurgen Klopp's men might have largely thrived since the departure of Philippe Coutinho, they have not really replaced the Brazilian, and this is a deficiency they need to address if they are to build on from their impressive displays in the 2018-2019 campaign. The club have realized as much, with reports indicating they are interested in a summer swoop for Rodriguez.