Brendan Rodgers has not waited long before stamping his mark on Liverpool. The former Swansea, Reading and Watford manager has already raised doubts about Andy Carrolls future, said everybody has a price when talking about Daniel Agger, signed Luis Suarez up to a new contract, sold or released Alberto Aquilani, Maxi Rodriguez, Dirk Kuyt and Fabio Aurelio, while signing Fabio Borini and trying to sign Joe Allen, Clint Dempsey, and Gylfi Sigurdsson. Borini appears to solve the striker issue, for now, and a centre back might be needed if Agger is sold to Manchester City, but Rodgers has other areas of his squad to worry about. If he is to return Liverpool to the top of the table then there are three areas that urgently need addressing, which we have outlined, with suggestions for players that could meet the requirements of the new Anfield boss
1. The Playmaker
Rodgers is well known for his passing ethos but ever since the sale of Xabi Alonso Liverpool have lacked a playmaker in the middle of the park. The Anfield Adventures of Alberto Aquilani are over and Rodgers badly needs to find someone who can initiate and contribute to the passing moves Liverpool will be asked to play. No one in the current squad looks able to play this part Lucas is a quality holding midfielder but does not have the range of passing or vision, Steven Gerrard wants to be in the second or third phase of play, playing final balls or getting on the end of goal scoring chances, Jordan Henderson looks a willing runner but does not have the composure on the ball, and JonJo Shelvey and Jay Spearing are not of the required level (yet, if ever). Primary Target: Joe Allen Widely touted in the press, Allen played well for Team GB in the Olympics without really showing he is worth the reported £15million Swansea want. However, he has worked for Rodgers before, and if he is the man Rodgers thinks the passing philosophy can be built round, then he is worth the price. At 22, he has time to fulfil his potential and may have signed on the dotted line already. Other options: Ganso, Gaston Ramirez, Joao Moutinho, Thiago Alcantara, Leon Britton A mix of deep lying and advanced playmakers, Moutinho may be out of Liverpools price range but what a statement of intent it would be. Ganso is looking for better wages and a more important role in a team, but injuries have stalled his progress, Ramirez is another who has been linked but looks a little languid. Thiago may not get too many games at Barcelona, especially if they sign Alex Song from Arsenal, so a cheeky loan bid may do the trick. Brittain could be a cut-price version of Allen.