Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat against Manchester City provided further evidence that the Reds have a way to go before they’ve got a squad that’s capable of competing for the Premier League title. Whilst Brendan Rodger’s boys have recorded a couple of impressive results against big boys this season, they often look a little under-cooked when squaring off against more challenging opposition.
Think back to the game against Arsenal, where Liverpool were second best throughout. It strikes me that some individuals within this side lack the confidence that they need to pull off a result against these clubs.
Liverpool are clearly on the rise at the moment, so confidence will arrive eventually. But there’s a way to quickly engineer belief: making some smart signings. Just look at what signing Mesut Ozil did for Arsenal (a player that they didn’t really need).
The Reds are strong upfront and at the back. The one area that Brendan Rodgers needs to look at is his midfield. Well here’s some good news: according to The Star, Liverpool are hoping to complete a double swoop for FC Basel winger Mohamed Salah and Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic this January. These players are targets for clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham, so there’s sure to be plenty of competition for their signatures.
If Liverpool managed to get their hands on both players, they’d add some real buzz and bite to their midfield. The Star go as far as to dub Mohamed Salah, ‘the Egyptian Messi’. Hyperbole aside, his quick, direct running, technical ability and confidence in front of goal would serve the Reds well. His £7m price-tag should certainly be within Liverpool’s financial wheelhouse.
Rakitic has arguably been even more impressive. The Croatian playmaker has been in excellent form for Sevilla this season, finding the back of the net 7 times and assisting his team-mates 5 times in 14 games. Those are some impressive figures, so it’s little wonder that there’s so much speculation regarding his future.
With Steven Gerrard approaching the autumn of his career, a move for Ivan Rakitic would be smart.
A move for both Ivan Rakitic and Mohamed Salah would make it easier for Liverpool’s midfield to link-up with the high-quality strikers, Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge. Here’s hoping that Brendan Rodgers has got his negotiation cap on this January.
What’s your take? Should Liverpool attempt to complete this double swoop deal and bring in both Mohamed Salah and Ivan Rakitic?
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B.rodger should try to got his new recruitment earlier this month, such as m.salah, andriy yarmolenko, ivan rakitic, tello and m.villa. With all dis…….. Liverpool will tittle holder.
I hav always been a big Fan of Yarmolenko! He is class! He’ll be a gud addition! We shld move mountains 2 get Mata too! Pls rodgers!! Pls
both Ivan and Salah are magnificent. i thinks ivan will add more depth at our midfield. both if i may add i equally appreciate the Kopites if they will acquire the likes of Mohammed Diamme so that there will be a little bit competition in the defencive mid field. with this three potential arrival. we can beat any team and once again compete for europian Trumphy
agree with the lack of confidence part, the strength up front part, and that we need to strengthen midfield part. but the part about our strength at the back i have to disagree with. until we can keep clean sheets against the top sides away from home we’ll struggle for a champions league spot. its good to see us competing with the likes of arsenal, chelsea and both manchester clubs for players but it makes me cringe when we compete for players targetted by the likes of qpr, newcastle, west ham, or even dare i say it… everton. so come on brendan work that january magic and allow us to dream even more… (and would really love to see luis alberto given a run of games to see if he really is up to the required standards… from what we’ve seen so far he looks like he could be useful).
To get Salah, ivan & tello they will boost ur game. Br make sure u sgin them.
BR should commence the signing of this players,there’s no time to waste. YNWA!