It is curious how Liverpool are considered an ‘incomplete’ team, given their position in the Premier League title race.
And yet, there is some credence to the argument that says the Reds are miles behind Manchester City in personnel terms.
With a number of players expected to be moving on come the summer, we thought we’d look at some potential replacements.
One player who should be heading out the door is Adam Lallana. The attacking midfielder has failed to bounce back from repeated injury, and it’s difficult to see any kind of future on Merseyside for the 30-year-old.
The failure to sign Nabil Fekir means that Jürgen Klopp should be in the hunt for a new CAM, especially given his propensity to roll out a 4-2-3-1 formation this year.
Here are five candidates:
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1) Alejandro Gomez - Atalanta
This would be a short term option, but one I like a lot. The Argentine does not have time on his side at the age of 30, but is certainly the finished product. ‘Plug and play’, the former Metalist Kharkiv (what a team name that is) attacking threat could improve Liverpool from day one at Melwood.
2) Ante Rebic - Eintracht Frankfurt
The Croat stands as a slightly younger option at 25, but is playing at an incredibly high level in the Bundesliga. Well balanced, Rebic is a goal-threat from his advanced spot, scoring seven league goals in 16 appearances. Happy to sit back in a deeper midfield role, Klopp may enjoy the versatility of the World Cup finalist.
3) Pablo Sarabia - Sevilla
Sarabia is similar to Rebic in a few ways, namely when it comes to versatility, but it has a better eye for a pass than the Frankfurt man. The 26-year-old is an expert at picking out runners with through balls behind the defensive line, and could very quickly become a favourite of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
4) Mathieu Cafaro - Reims
The 21-year-old is the youngest player on this list, and has been making waves with Reims in Ligue 1. Able to play on the wing, Cafaro’s presence in the lineup could enable Klopp to change things up tactically without needing to change his personnel. Keen to join in with the press, the prodigy may yet endear himself to Liverpool scouts.
5) James Maddison - Leicester
Despite only being in his debut season at Leicester, several Premier League big dogs are said to be preparing attempts to sign the Englishman. Given his impressive form, that should come as little surprise. Liverpool may opt to let this one slide, given what will likely be an inflated price-tag, but Maddison’s talent is undeniable.