The Two Players That Liverpool Must Sign

Liverpool are “one or two” players short of a Premier League title win, says Charlie Adam 

Liverpool are “one or two” players away from being able to win the Premier League, according to former midfielder Charlie Adam.

The Reds have spent almost £170m this summer in a bid to build on last season’s domestic and European success, and have transferred in goalkeeper Alisson, midfielders Naby Keita and Fabinho and attacker Xherdan Shaqiri.

And Adam, 32, who is currently plying his trade with Championship side Stoke City, believes his old club are close to nailed-on success thanks to their smart recruitment in the transfer window.

“Liverpool are one or two players from the title,” Adam told the BBC’s The Monday Night Club.

“He [Klopp] has added quality to the squad, I still think they could do with another centre-half.

“They have brought Shaqiri in, a good replacement if Mohamed Salah needs a rest. Daniel Sturridge is to come back in – if he stays fit he could be in that team as well.

“The goalkeeper situation was a big problem for them last season. He has seen that problem and got that deal done.

“He [Alisson] is going to be worth six to eight points over the season. It adds a total belief and confidence.”

While the manager has strengthened the spine of his side by bringing in Alisson, Fabinho and Shaqiri – plus Naby Keita – some have voiced their concerns over a lack of options in defence.

That’s due mainly to Joel Matip‘s persistent injury problems, Dejan Lovren‘s inconsistency and Ragnar Klavan‘s age. Klopp believes he is healthy enough in that department, singling out Joe Gomez for special praise.

“This summer? No, I am happy with our players, to be honest, so I don’t see the need,” said Klopp, in his post-United press conference.

CHARLOTTE, USA - Sunday, July 22, 2018: Liverpool's Joe Gomez during a preseason International Champions Cup match between Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool FC at the Bank of America Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

“When you see Joe Gomez playing in that role tonight as a central defender, he combines a lot of things you don’t find in the transfer market, to be honest.”I can’t see in the moment the need.”

However, the boss didn’t completely rule out a new face arriving, adding: “But there are 12 days to go and a lot of things can happen.“You ask me now and I say no, but maybe if you ask me tomorrow I will say something different.”

Adam also praised the abilities of new-signing Shaqiri, though he fears the Swiss may become frustrated with a lack of playing time as he will inevitably play second-fiddle to Mo Salah.

“He’s got to try and replace Salah, the best player in the Premier League and has a chance for the Ballon d’Or,” said the 32-year-old.

“It’s only going to last six months and he won’t be happy sitting on bench. He’ll want to play in the bigger games.

“He might get frustrated at not playing as much as he wants – it’s how long he waits and what Klopp does with him.

“He will fit in at Liverpool, he’s a top player. He deserves to be there.”

Adam spent a season-and-a-half at Liverpool, making 37 appearances and scoring two goals. The Scotsman’s time at the club coincided with some of Liverpool’s worst league finishes in living memory, with the Reds coming 8th and 7th respectively.

Liverpool take on Napoli on August 4 in their next pre-season match.

 

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