5 players Liverpool should replace in the summer

So near, yet so far. Liverpool almost broke their curse of not winning the Premier League this season as they fell short by 2 points and sawManchester City lift the trophy for the 2nd time in 3 years. This season has actually been a great one for Liverpool FC, the main aim was getting back into the Champions League after missing out for the past 5 years. That was achieved with ease and they could have won the title had it not been for a couple of slip ups.The attacking intent was there for all to see and the Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling (SASAS) triumvirate have been amazing. The rise of Jordan Henderson and the new quarterback role for Steven Gerrard has been fun to watch. There still are a few issues to deal with like the defense, if that is fixed in the off season, Liverpool could launch another attack at the Premier League title next season.Here are the 5 players thatLiverpool need to replace.

#1 Iago Aspas

The Spanish forward joined Liverpool from Celta Vigo for a reported fee of 7.7 million pounds. Not the most prolific of scorers during his Celta days but it was expected that he would get a run in the team, at least to create assists for Suarez and Sturridge.

Aspas has failed to impress and has looked out of place in England. He has made 15 appearances for Liverpool this season, most of them from the bench. The need to have good bench strength is important now for Liverpool as they will be taking part in the Champions League and Aspas doesn't seem to suit that purpose as he has struggled to make an impact.

#2 Kolo Toure

Replacing a legend like Jamie Carragher is not easy. You need experience, a cool head under pressure and someone who is a born leader. Kolo Toure does check all those boxes and Rodgers’ signing of the Ivorian on a free transfer was seen as a decent deal, a backup for the pairing of Skrtel and Agger.

Toure however seems to have other plans and his performances for Liverpool have been erratic to say the least. He scored an amazing own goal against Fulham and passed to Anichebe so that the West Brom player could equalize against Liverpool. Liverpool’s defense needs to be fixed and Kolo is one of the players who has to be replaced.

#3 Glen Johnson

He might have been one of the most expensive right backs but for all the talk about Glen Johnson’s attacking display, his lack of defensive abilities was very evident this season. Time after time this season, Johnson has been found wanting.

It is true that Liverpool do play with an attacking flair and the wing backs need to be up the pitch but it seems that Johnson thinks he is a winger and not a right back.

The England international would be another player who Rodgers’ should replace or make him play as a winger but Johnson cannot defend at all. It's a miracle as to how Johnson made it to the England squad for the World Cup.

#4 Lucas Leiva

Lucas is a tough one to call as on his day he is the best defensive midfielder in the world but his lack of pace has hindered him a lot. His game time has been greatly affected both due to the knee injury he sustained a couple of seasons back and because Henderson and Allen have been very good.

The fact that he has been pushed to a spot on the bench by the pair of Henderson and Allen and Coutinho is testament to the new style of play at Liverpool. Lucas is not getting any younger and has lost the pace necessary to keep up with the their game.

With Steven Gerrard moving into a deeper midfield position, it is time to replace the work horse and tough tackler that is Lucas.

#5 Martin Skrtel

Though he has started 36 games for Liverpool in the league this season and scored a record 7 goals, Martin Skrtel is another player that needs to be replaced.

As everyone knows there is a huge problem with the Liverpool defense and Skrtel has been found wanting this season. Yes he has scored 7 goals but he has also scored a record 4 own goals this season.

His last minute tackles and clearances might look great but his positioning has been questioned a lot of times. It was speculated that he might leave at the start of last season, it could finally happen this season.

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