Will Liverpool's aggressive transfer strategy pay dividends?

Is Danny Ings the striker who can solve Liverpool’s problems in front of goal?

Just about managing to reach double figures last season, the ex-Burnley forward netted 11 goals in the league. At just 22 years of age, Ings certainly has age on his side, but he won’t be able to rely on that to protect him from criticism for too long should he fail to adapt quickly at one of the most iconic clubs in the modern game. If he goes through a similar drought like the one he experienced from February to May where he went 10 games without scoring, he could quickly find himself at the mercy of the demanding Anfield faithful.

Simpy put, he is a quality striker, but it’s baffling to understand exactly why Rodgers has hung his hat on him when there are so many better goal-poachers out there to choose from. What Liverpool needs is a 20-goal-a-season man, and Ings just doesn’t fit that bill.

No doubt the ex-Clarets front-man will do his best to feed off the weight of expectancy that already hovers over him, and he will certainly contribute with goals. But it would make a lot more sense if they were to bring in someone with a bit more prestige, a seasoned campaigner who can breeze in and get goals regardless of the situation.

They might well pay crazy money for the necessary player, but it would be worth it and could save Rodgers a lot of hassle in the long run – and maybe even his job.

Milner and Clyne add spine, but their impact depends on Rodgers

The invaluable experience of winning a Premier League title is a really key factor that former Manchester City midfielder James Milner brings to the Liverpool set-up, but it’s not the main one – after all, he’s done it twice.

A polished performer, his outstanding contributions for the Citizens during his stay at the Etihad have not been limited to being a two-time winner of the EPL, as he’s also won the FA Cup, League Cup and the Community Shield. For a club like Liverpool that values silverware so highly, Milner’s know-how when it comes to taking titles that are up for grabs might well be the most widely discussed aspect of his recent past. But there are far more intriguing facts about him that should make his new fans smile.

As outlined by Squawka’s Social Media Manager James McManus, Milner outperformed quite a number of the league’s more “high profile” stars last year as he powered through some of the misconceptions about him.

James Milner created more chances than Juan Mata this season, recorded more assists than Mesut Ozil & scored more goals than Cesc Fabregas.

— James McManus (@JamesMcManus1) June 4, 2015

Indeed, his performances were one of the few bright lights in an otherwise disappointing City campaign which saw them fall well short of the mark they would have wanted to achieve.

Smashing as many as five goals past a number of top ‘keepers in the second half of their late but unsuccessful surge to stay in contention with eventual winners Chelsea, his desire to battle to the bitter end really shone through – and it was a real surprise to see him given up so easily by Manuel Pellegrini.

Rodgers will be rubbing his hands with glee at the capture of such a top, top free agent which, if utilised efficiently and effectively, will have a massively positive effect on the outcome of their season.

James Milner could prove to be a great addition for Liverpool

Likewise, the welcome of yet another Southampton star in Nathaniel Clyne means that they have drafted in a more than capable defender who could really help steady the ship further still. The Saints might have only garnered one extra clean sheet than Liverpool in the league last season, but they conceded considerably less goals with just 33 (the second best of the season) compared to 48 – and the 24-year-old was pivotal to that defensive frugality.

In the end, the overriding factor for any signing brought in during the current transfer regime will be how wisely the manager utilises them.

Liverpool are a huge club with big ambitions to succeed – they always have been – and with some exciting players on board for the new season ahead, they have some really excellent foundations to go on and tick some of them off their list.

Rodgers will undoubtedly need time to adjust, learn and mould his new-look team to suit his vision and get it looking as perfectly as he can. But you get the feeling this is his biggest chance at proving his worth. Time will tell whether or not he’s up to the task.