Liverpool: Has the renaissance begun?

Defensive midfielder

Lucas has been inconsistent this season in his deep lying midfield role. He is still a really good defensive midfielder despite the injury problems he has had. He has played a lot of games in the 2nd half of the season and has shown signs of returning to his best. Despite that Liverpool need someone who can compete with him for a regular spot in the team and Victor Wanyama is the man to do that. He has played really well for Celtic this season and has a bright future ahead of him. Mohamed Diame is another option who has had a terrific season at West Ham United. It would be a great scalp if Liverpool can sign one of these two midfielders.

Defense

Carragher’s retirement and Brendan’s lack of faith in Skrtel make it absolutely essential for Liverpool to sign a top quality centre-back who is young. Kyriakos Papadopoulos is a top quality centre-back. Liverpool will have to shell out about 15 million pounds if they decide to buy him from Schalke. Liverpool have conceded a lot of goals from set pieces and have had defensive problems while defending set pieces. Papadopoulos is really good in the air and is brave at defending set pieces. Considering the fact that he is just 21 years old, he can be a really good long-term prospect. He missed the second half of 2012-13 season due to a knee injury but now he is fully fit and he is the type of defender that Liverpool need desperately. Kolo Toure is a good signing but initially he is expected to be a bench warmer as Rodgers would like to pair Daniel Agger with a young defender who can be a long-term replacement for Carragher.

Lille’s left back Lucas Digne is highly rated and he can give Enrique serious competition if Liverpool sign him. Enrique has rediscovered himself under Rodgers and has been part of some really well crafted team goals this season. However, at times he has been inconsistent and it’s good for him and the team that he faces stiff competition. Lucas Digne has been linked with both the Manchester clubs and Ajax. Rodgers has been an admirer of Lucas Digne and hopefully he can sign this young lad who is brimming with talent.

Rodgers has done a good job this season and dictated a specific style of play. Liverpool have to hold on to key players like Suarez and Reina in order to challenge for the top 4 positions next season. Rodgers needs to keep up the good work and if he can make some good signings in transfer window, the chances of Liverpool finishing in top 4 will be boosted and the “Renaissance of Liverpool” may begin and the glory days may come back at Anfield.

Suso and Sterling are young lads with a lot of talent, their chances of playing first team football have decreased with the arrival of new signings. With Liverpool not playing in Europe, they won’t have a busy schedule. These two players should be loaned out so that they can develop by getting regular first team football elsewhere.