Former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips has suggested that Liverpool need to sign a ‘world class’ midfielder in the near future.
This comes after Spanish star Thiago was ruled out for a spell due to a hip problem.
The Reds failed to replace Gini Wijnaldum during the summer when the Dutchman left the club as a free agent.
Instead, Jurgen Klopp turned to the likes of Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to fill the void.
Regular injuries in the midfield department and the long-term absence of Elliott has hampered the evolution and the German manager may now need to delve into the market.
That’s the view of Phillips, who told Football Insider that the Anfield club must act soon.
(James) Milner and (Jordan) Henderson will be another year older so I think it’s vital they get another midfielder in. There’s been a lot of talk about Jude Bellingham. He is someone who could be the long-term future of that midfield. He could be one that comes in. Milner has been an incredible servant but his time will come eventually. For a club of Liverpool’s size and the position they are in, they need a world-class centre-midfielder. Jude Bellingham is one player who certainly fits the mould. It’s an area they need to address in the summer, 100 per cent, and I think they will.
This season Milner has made 18 appearances across all competitions whilst club captain Henderson has made 25 outings for the Reds.
Meanwhile, the heavily linked Jude Bellingham has scored four times and provided nine assists in 25 appearances for Borussia Dortmund.
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There is no doubting that the midfield has become a problem area for Klopp following the departure of Wijnaldum.
Perhaps somewhat unfortunate with the ankle dislocation suffered by Elliott, all too often the Premier League title-chasers have been left without options in the department.
Valued at £67.5million (Transfermarkt) and already a top performer at just 18 year’s old, Bellingham would be the ideal candidate to bolster the Anfield ranks.
