Five players from this year’s World Cup that could take Liverpool to the next level.
In many ways the World Cup is the ultimate shop window, where every club with a few quid to spend over the summer will be looking to grab themselves a bargain, or be convinced to splash out on that star they had their eye on. Here are five players at this year’s tournament that could make Liverpool contenders for the Premier League title once again.
5. Dejan Lovren – Southampton and Croatia
The Saints defender has enjoyed a strong first season in the Premier League, and now looks set to become the latest of the club’s stars that will follow manager Mauricio Pochettino out of the club to abandon the cause. The Reds have had their fair share of problems at the back this term as Brendan Rodgers has often struggled to find his best centre-back pairing. The Croatian has now taken steps to rectifying that now after handing in a transfer request on the South Coast, and Rodgers could very well pick himself up a solid and reliable stopper to play the gap.
4. Ricardo Rodriguez – Wolfsburg and Switzerland
Belgium have been credited as the overwhelming dark horses of the tournament this year, but the Swiss have been quietly sneaking up on the tournament with a strong squad of their own, and a major component of that has been Rodriguez. Having been widely tipped to leave the Bundesliga side this summer, Anfield could be the ideal destination to match his ambitions. Brendan Rodgers has previously stated that he is willing to stick with Glen Johnson, but judging by his performances he would be better off searching for a replacement.
3. Marcelo – Real Madrid and Brazil
It wasn’t long ago that Fabio Coentrao was the name on everyone’s wish list, but since Carlo Ancelotti hinted that the Portuguese star could stay, it’s his Brazilian cohort that now looks to be on his way out of the Bernabeu. A new left-back would no doubt complete the Reds’ new look back line and solidify their armour in front of goal. Furthermore, Marcelo would give Liverpool some real cut and thrust going forward, something that they have lacked in that position ever since Jose Enrique’s injury.
2. Mathieu Valbuena – Marselle and France
The diminutive wide ace has already told Marseille that he is on the way out this summer, stating that he needs a new challenge before he gets too old. But at 29 he will still have something left in the tank to help the Reds compete for the Premier League title as well as make a good showing on their return to the Champions League. He would supply a deadly threat from wide areas, something that Liverpool had trouble with at times due to lack of depth.
1. Kostas Mitroglu – Fulham and Greece
The former Olympiakos man was charged with the almost impossible task of keeping the Cottagers in the top flight last season, and was unfairly criticised for failing to settle into a struggling team halfway through a dismal season. He still has a lot to offer, and to prove, and getting him in a top side with good creative players around him it won’t be long before he starts hitting the net on a regular basis. He could also take some of the pressure off Suarez and Sturridge, both of whom have missed portions of the season for various reasons with no direct replacement able to step into the side in their place.