Lawrenson: Two key areas where Liverpool should strengthen in January

Midfield

“Rodgers might also be looking at the right side of midfield. Raheem Sterling isn’t getting much of a look-in at the moment, and it would benefit him to go out on loan.

It certainly wouldn’t do him any harm.

Sterling is still a kid in football terms and he needs games to continue his education.

Rodgers clearly rates him but maybe Sterling isn’t quite ready yet to be exposed at this high level on a consistent basis.

To be honest, I would also be looking now to the long-term and who could replace Steven Gerrard.

Liverpool haven’t got a like-for-like replacement in their squad and, given what Gerrard brings to the team, whoever they bring in is going to cost a lot of money. It is something they must therefore get right. They can’t afford to make a mistake.” said Lawrenson.

I am in agreement that Sterling needs to be sent out on loan so that he is able to get more game time. We have all seen how well Suso is doing out on loan at Almeria and hopefully Sterling can have a similar impact at the club he would join on loan.

The Steven Gerrard situation is one that has to be looked at very closely. We will not be able to find another Steven Gerrard so we have to look for someone close to that or someone who shows signs of achieving that high status. Buying a ready made central midfielder of that level would cost Liverpool a lot of money which I am not sure FSG are willing to spend this January, but would rather wait and see if we finish in the top four. Liverpool are constantly linked with a move for young Will Hughes at Derby County who is seen as a potential long term replacement for Gerrard. The Reds could possibly try sign him in January and loan him back to Derby for the rest of the season.

One player who Liverpool would do well in capturing for central midfield is Newcastle’s Yohan Cabaye. The Frenchman was strongly linked with a move to Arsenal in the summer but that never happened and instead Arsenal signed Mesut Ozil. Cabaye would be able to come in and add that energy and creativity in the middle of the park that we desperately need.

Strikers

“One position would be striker. That seems stupid given how well Luis Suarez and Sturridge are playing, but if one of them picks up an injury then it could be a problem.

Iago Aspas hasn’t quite cut it yet and, other than the Spaniard, there are few other options in attack.” said Lawrenson.

Whilst we have Suarez and Sturridge playing well right, as Lawrenson points out, we could be in trouble if one of them gets injured. I am sure Rodgers would be able to find a way to play with a lone striker in eithers absence as both of them have played that role before. But it would not be a bad idea to bring someone else in to cover for SAS.

Aspas is currently injured but even when he returns to fitness he may continue to struggle as he has since he joined the club in the summer.

Quality strikers are in high demand right now and I can not see Liverpool being able to prize a top striker away from their club in January, especially since we have no European football to offer them.

One striker who is reportedly available is 25-year old Greek striker Konstantinos Mitroglou and has been linked with a move to Anfield. The Olympiakos is highly rated across Europe and would cost a mere £7million. This is a snip for a player who has bagged in four hat-tricks already this season.

So in summary, the two key areas that Liverpool need to address this January window is central midfield and bringing in another striker.

What are your thoughts? Do you agree or you feel there are other areas we need strengthening?