Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has advised the club to prioritise the signing of a new centre-back and holding midfielder if they are to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title this season.
Liverpool had a strong campaign last season, challenging City and Arsenal for the title, but ultimately finished nine and seven points behind the top two respectively.
Despite the potential to compete at the top again this season, the Reds, now under the guidance of new head coach Arne Slot, are yet to make any signings in the summer transfer window.
Murphy, who made 249 appearances for Liverpool, believes that without strengthening these key areas, Liverpool could struggle to overcome City.
Liverpool need to sign two key players to compete with Manchester City
Talking about talkSPORTDanny Murphy said: “I hope they make the top four but I don’t think they can get past City with this team.”
Murphy stressed the need for a dominant midfield presence, comparing Liverpool’s current options to the likes of Rodri at Manchester City and Declan Rice at Arsenal.
“Liverpool don’t have that physically dominant player who can consistently control games,” Murphy explained. “Meanwhile, [Wataru] Endo and [Alexis] Mac Allister has shown promise but does not possess the consistent influence needed in midfield.”
Murphy also expressed his disappointment that Liverpool have failed to sign key players such as Martin Zubimendi, Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo, saying: “It’s not like Liverpool to not get the deal done. They need to bring in a player in that position.”
As Liverpool prepare to face Ipswich in their Premier League opener on Saturday, the need for reinforcements becomes more urgent.
