Liverpool Transfers: 3 Players Rodgers Must Sign To Be Title Contenders

2. Flying Winger

Swansea extensively used a 4-3-3 formation. In vogue at the moment, it is expected Liverpool will play the same (although Rodgers would do well to have a plan B by the name of Andy Carroll should Liverpool need a goal). At the moment, the only two wingers in the team are the underwhelming Stewart Downing, and the very inexperienced Raheem Sterling. Downing scored in Rodgers€™ first competitive game, against Belarusian side Gomel, hinting at an upturn in fortunes, but the truth is Rodgers will need at least one new wide player, possibly two, if he is going to make his preferred system work. Liverpool have been crying out for a right winger for many seasons. Jermaine Pennant was a flop, Dirk Kuyt was a hard worker but not a true wide player, and other experiments have failed. Simply by identifying the issue will comfort Liverpool fans. Primary target: Adam Johnson €“ a dangerous and effective player on his day, Johnson has struggled for game time under Roberto Mancini. While the Italian is right to ask for more from Johnson, who sometimes goes missing in games and doesn€™t help out his team defensively, a lack of matches is hardly helping the ex-Middlesbrough player improve his game. More likely available on loan or as part of any Agger deal, he could be the wing wizard the Kop has been crying out for since Steve McManaman and John Barnes. Other options: Cristian Tello, Scott Sinclair, Daniel Sturridge, Victor Moses, Andre Schurrle, Ibrahim Afellay, Aiden McGeady, Theo Walcott, Milos Krasic, Ricardo Quaresma. If Moses joins Chelsea Sturridge may become available, although he would rather play centrally. Sinclair only has a year to go on his contract but would Rodgers want to upset Swans fan again? Walcott likewise is entering the last year of his contract, Tello and Afellay are struggling for game time at Barca and may be available on loan, Schurrle is the big money option and destined for great things with the German national team, while McGeady, Krasic and Quaresma may fancy rebooting their careers at Anfield.