This week Brendan Rodgers dismissed Liverpool’s hopes of winning the title this season, claiming that this season is “too soon” for his side. The Merseysiders occupy fourth place in the Premier League, two points ahead of fifth place Everton and eight behind the leaders Arsenal.
But although Rodgers believes that Liverpool will have a say with regards to where the Premier League trophy ends up, he doesn’t think that the Anfield side will break their title drought in this campaign.
Liverpool still have to play against Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal this season, and Rodgers is eager to see what type of influence his side has in the title race.
“Will we play a part in it? Yes, we will, because we are professional and we want to fight to finish as high as we possibly can,” Rodgers told Sky Sports.
“We look it and there are six points between us and (second-placed) Chelsea, so there is still a lot to play for and we will be fighting right until the very end.
“But, if I’m asked to give an honest answer, I’d probably say that this year is too soon for us.”
The former Swansea manager has identified a lack of squad depth as the reason behind Liverpool’s bleaker outings this season, and will attempt to strengthen his side in the summer as he looks equip the Reds for a genuine title tilt next season.
Below are five players that could transform Liverpool from top four challengers into title contenders.
1. Domenico Criscito
While there are seemingly no flaws in Liverpool’s attack this season, their backline remains a worry, with left-back seemingly the most problematic area.
Mamadou Sakho has been shoehorned in there this season, while Jose Enrique and Glen Johnson are battling injury problems, leaving loan signing Aly Cissokho as the only candidate to fill the left-back slot and disgruntle the Liverpool faithful.
Zenit St. Petersburg defender Domenico Criscito would be an excellent answer to the Reds left sided woes.
The Italian international started off his playing career as a centre-back which has helped him become a force both in the air and in the tackle, traits that are required of a Premier League defender.
Criscito reads the game well and also has the ability to make an impact in the final third, and at the age of 26 the Naples-born defender has his best years ahead of him.
Wages might be an issue if any potential deal were to go through given Zenit’s vast wealth, but Criscito would be an impressive solution for Liverpool’s worries at full-back.