Summer 2015 Part 2: The players to make it happen by Joel Tracy

Goalkeeper: Thanks to the expert man management of Mrs. Mignolet-erm, Brendan Rodgers-the Belgian bounced back from a torrid early-season run of form to establish himself as one of the finest shot-stoppers in the Premier League. His distribution and command of his area will never be top-notch, but they are both well beyond the fall’s calamitous state of affairs, and Mignolet retains the ability to change a match with his ability between the posts.

Brad Jones should be thanked for his service to the club, but Liverpool will require a higher standard of No. 2. A youngster with the technical ability and athleticism demanded by Rodgers’ preferred style of play would be the ideal signing, as he could conceivably push Mignolet for the first-choice role, while being groomed as the Belgian’s successor.

Potential Additions: While German goalkeeper Timo Horn won’t unseat Manuel Neuer as his national team’s No. 1 anytime soon, the twenty-one year-old FC Cologne product has the potential to carry on the legacy of great German goalkeepers in the near future. At 6’4”, Horn is a talented shot-stopper with a large wingspan and excellent reactions. Horn’s speed and athleticism allow him to advance from between the sticks to cut out opposition attacks, much like his compatriot Neuer, and he distributes the ball quickly and accurately with a combination of long throws and pinpoint kicks. Horn would be an ideal target to compete with Mignolet for a starting role, while Rodgers can groom the German for a consistent run as the Reds No. 1 down the road.

Fullback: Glen Johnson will likely head abroad, checking a hefty bag of untapped potential for the journey, while Jose Enrique will surely take his questionable fashion sense and penchant for awkward Instagram activity back to Spain, where he’ll undoubtedly find a new crop of young compatriots to terrify.

Alberto Moreno should settle in during his second season on Merseyside, while Manquillo will need to improve his technical ability in order to have a shot at featuring in Rodgers’ side next campaign. After an injury-plagued season, Jon Flanagan should compete for a place on either side of defence, where his passion and hard-tackling style have been missed.

Like Flanagan and Manquillo, Andre Wisdom won’t garner much consideration if Rodgers continues to feature wingbacks at the expense of fullbacks, but if the Reds return to a back four the youngster could compete for time on the right side of defence. Still, a more dependable option will be needed on the right, while a backup/challenger to Moreno on the left would also be a welcome addition.

Given the unsettled nature of Rodgers’ tactical plans, any addition on either side would ideally carry the ability to contribute either as a wingback, or as an outside center back in a back three.

Potential Additions: Daryl Janmaat impressed at right wingback for Netherlands at the World Cup, and had a successful debut season at Newcastle-where he also contributed at the center of defence. The Dutchman’s technical ability and versatility would make him a welcome addition, and the fact that he is being tipped as a potential captain at Newcastle after impressing this season speaks to his leadership-a quality that is not exactly overflowing at the back (or anywhere on the pitch, for that matter) at Liverpool.

Similar to Janmaat, Ivorian Serge Aurier made a name for himself at the World Cup, with his marauding runs and pinpoint crosses along Les Elephants’ right flank. He has struggled at times to find consistent playing time while on loan at PSG, and Toulouse may look elsewhere for an incoming bid. Aurier’s athleticism, dynamism and crossing ability would make him a welcome addition to a side that saw little attacking thrust from its fullbacks/wingbacks this past season, while he is more than capable of fulfilling his defensive duties.

Central Defence: Despite the puzzling critiques of some supporters and pundits, Mamadou Sakho has proven himself to be a rock at the back for Liverpool-particularly in a three-man backline that ideally suits his abilities in possession. As part of a pairing or a trio, Sakho should be a fixture for Liverpool, although his checkered injury history requires the presence of a capable understudy.

Like Sakho, Martin Skrtel was at his best in the 3-4-2-1 formation, but he should expect to partner Sakho if the Reds switch to a four-man backline. Dejan Lovren’s maiden campaign on Merseyside was an abject failure, marred by technical and positional deficiencies, as well as a horrendous lack of composure. With his value so low, it may be worth holding on to a player who still retains the athleticism and potential to make an impact, particularly if Sakho again finds himself on the treatment table.

Sebastian Coates is likely to be offloaded, with naught but one wondrous overhead kick and the memories of Game Night with his South American companions to show for his time at Liverpool. While on loan at Bordeaux, Tiago Ilori has barely scratched the surface of his considerable potential, but the athletic Portuguese may be brought back to Anfield to challenge for a spot at the back, provided that he can bulk up to handle the rigours of Premier League competition.

A fullback by trade, Wisdom may find himself in the mix for playing time in central defence as well, while Lloyd Jones, most likely destined for a loan, could force his way into the first team reckoning with a strong preseason. This summer, Liverpool should target a player who can either provide competition for Skrtel on the right side of a two-man central defense or slot in alongside the Slovakian and Sakho on the right of a back three. Possessing the pace to play Rodgers’ favored high line, along with the technical ability to play out of the back will be of paramount importance in determining the ideal candidate.

Potential Additions: Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld has enjoyed a fine run of form while on loan at Southampton, and the Belgian’s athleticism and technical ability would see him fit in nicely at Liverpool. Alderweireld’s versatility is also highly attractive, as the defender can play at right back, defensive midfield, and perhaps at wingback, while he would be most ideally suited on the right side of a back three.

Liverpool got to see up close the ability of Basel’s Fabian Schar during their brief run in the Champions League, and the Swiss defender was instrumental in holding the Reds to zero goals from open play in two matches. Like Alderweireld, Schar is blessed with great athletic ability and is comfortable on the ball. While his experience is relatively limited, Schar has the potential to be a fantastic central defender, and the possibility of building around him and Sakho at the back is a tantalizing one.

Central Midfield: After a legendary career on Merseyside, Steven Gerrard will move on to glitzier pastures in the offseason, a loss that will be most acutely felt in terms of the skipper’s leadership and character. To a certain extent, however, it also removes a selection headache for a side that was not suited to the midfielders declining capabilities.

Left with the unenviable task of filling the captain’s shoes (and, in all likelihood, taking on the armband) will be Jordan Henderson, whose work rate and underrated creativity will be instrumental at the heart of Liverpool’s midfield, as indicated by his lucrative new contract. In contrast, Lucas Leiva may be tempted by offers from Italy, and if a suitable replacement can be found, Liverpool may do well to upgrade in terms of mobility (and, although less crucially, in terms of attacking output) at the defensive midfield position.

Despite his considerable potential, Emre Can doesn’t yet appear to have the positional awareness or the dependability in possession to make that position his own, although he could see an expanded role as a box-to-box midfielder. Philippe Coutinho’s dazzling form earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Season, and he can only hope that the Powers that Be at Anfield will supplement the side’s midfield options to both offer him a stronger platform to express himself, as well as more options to take the attacking burden off his slight shoulders.

A role as Coutinho’s understudy may await for Adam Lallana, who must overcome a recent run of injuries if he is to force himself into the reckoning for an attacking midfield berth for the Reds. Joe Allen has yet to nail down a role as a starter, but his courage and tidiness in possession, as well as his movement and positional awareness make him a valuable reserve for Rodgers’ men.

Cameron Brannagan, Jordan Williams and Jordan Rossiter, may all vie for a place in the squad, but with the exception of the latter a loan is the most likely outcome for each. Liverpool’s lack of depth in central midfield was laid bare by injuries to Gerrard, Allen and Lucas throughout the season, and reinforcements will be needed in the summer. The aforementioned defensive midfielder should be the highest priority, but Liverpool should look to add another versatile option in midfield: a player with movement, work rate and the ability to play box-to-box or contribute in a more attacking position.

Potential Additions: Asier Illarramendi has fallen down the pecking order at Real Madrid, usurped by more attack-minded midfield options, but as Bayern Munich have proven with the respective captures of Arjen Robben and Thiago Alcantara from Madrid and Barcelona, respectively, one superpower’s trash is another’s treasure.

Liverpool have a long way to go before we’re mentioned in the same breath as Pep Guardiola’s team, and “Illarra” is not yet near the level of Robben or Thiago, but the Spaniard’s passing ability, positional awareness and proficient tackling would make him an ideal fit at the base of the Liverpool midfield. Not quite a traditional defensive midfield “destroyer,” Illarramendi is capable of shielding the backline, while also serving as the fulcrum for launching forward Liverpool’s attack.

Further forward, the name James Milner won’t get Liverpool supporters jumping for joy, but the Englishman would be a fine addition to a young Liverpool midfield. Milner could slot in alongside Henderson as the “shuttlers” in a diamond midfield, next to Illarramendi in a midfield two, as either the middle or the furthest forward in a midfield trio, out wide in a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1, or even as a wingback. In any of those positions, the Englishman’s fantastic work rate, intelligent movement and technical ability would be welcomed. Moreover, Milner’s leadership would be a crucial addition to a side that was too often found lacking in this department, even before the departure of its captain.

Forward: After a calamitous campaign marred by a host of injuries, Sturridge will return to lead the ranks of Liverpool’s forwards, though Rodgers must know he can’t count on the Englishman to feature for any significant stretch of the season. In Sturridge’s prolonged absence, the toothless threesome of Balotelli, Lambert and Borini all proved not up to snuff. Borini, despite his at times clever movement, lacks the technical ability and the athleticism to succeed in the Premier League, while Lambert doesn’t possess the pace or the dynamism necessary to lead the line, and Balotelli lacks the attacking movement and effort in the pressing game, ruling each out of a place in the squad for next season-provided Liverpool can find a buyer for each striker.

Raheem Sterling endured mixed fortunes on and off the pitch throughout the campaign, but while his playmaking and finishing were inconsistent, his work rate and willingness to play in a variety of positions were impressive, as the youngster brought toughness and intensity to his work as a wide forward, wingback, attacking midfielder and even as a lone striker. Sterling’s contractual demands may make most supporters cringe, but Liverpool simply won’t attract a player of his quality or potential without the lure of Champions League football, and we cannot afford to lose him this summer.

Lazar Markovic showed flashes of promise in his first season on Merseyside, with his athleticism and direct style of play. The Serb will need to bulk up, as well as add a move or two to his repertoire beyond “run past him,” but the real question is where he fits in the Reds’ attacking setup. Still, he’s certainly one to keep, particularly with the threat of Sterling’s departure looming. Jordon Ibe burst onto the scene after his recall from a successful loan at Derby County. The teenager’s pace and power made an immediate impact on the side, and he should expect to feature in Rodgers’ plans for next season.

After impressing for Belgium at the World Cup, Divock Origi struggled in his final season at Lille, plagued by poor service, errant finishing and facing accusations of a lack of effort. There’s no denying the striker’s potential, and while expectations should be managed, he will be expected to fill a role up front, or potentially out wide-particularly in the cups. Reserves Jerome Sinclair and Sheyi Ojo flashed potential this season, and a strong preseason may earn either a place in the senior side-while a loan is the most likely outcome for each.

Potential Additions: PSV Eindhoven’s flying Dutchman, Memphis Depay is one of the most sought-after young players in world football. With blistering pace, excellent technique and an eye for goal, the forward, if signed, would be a welcome addition to Liverpool’s frontline. Depay burst onto the scene with a string of lively performances at the World Cup for Netherlands, and he has carried that run of form into the Eredivisie season, with a league-high twenty-one goals from the left wing.

Depay prefers to play on that flank, which allows him to cut inside onto his right, but he can also be deployed on the right, while many believe his future lies at striker. Liverpool will have plenty of company in a potential bid for the attacker’s services, but if they can avoid their troubling habit of dithering throughout negotiations, they might snag Depay while other clubs are preoccupied with more experienced targets.

Villarreal’s Luciano Vietto has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, notching twelve goals in La Liga, along with eight goals and six assists in Europa League play. The Argentine is capable of dribbling past opponents or setting up a teammate with a pinpoint pass. His finishing, however, is his strongest attribute-and one that is in currently in short supply amongst the Liverpool squad. While he doesn’t have an extensive record of producing for top-notch clubs, Vietto may well be worth the modest investment as a player who could play as a lone forward for the Reds, as well as partner Sturridge, Sterling or perhaps even Origi up front.

Burnley’s Danny Ings was the danger man for a side destined for relegation, posting nine goals and four assists to date. The Englishman exhibits the movement demanded in a fluid Liverpool side, as well as solid finishing ability. Even more so than Vietto, Ings can play as a withdrawn striker in support of another frontman and while he wouldn’t be expected to regularly feature, that versatility would come in handy as a reserve option.

Without the lure of Champions League football-and without the £75 million they received from the sale of Luis Suarez-Liverpool will find this summer’s transfer market more difficult to navigate than during last year’s window. Heeding the lessons from last summer’s failed window, and targeting a few of the above players who meet the specified requirements would help Rodgers and the transfer committee burnish their floundering reputations in the transfer market-and help set the side up for a run at the Champions League places-or higher-next campaign.

Joel Tracy

@RambleOnReds