Who can drive Liverpool on road to recovery?

By James McLaughlin.

Following a turbulent 12 months at Anfield, Rafa Benitez and striker Fernando Torres have been in agreement that Liverpool need to sign “Four or five top class players” to propel the five times European champions back into England and Europe’s elite.

Having operated under the burden of an ever growing debt in recent transfer markets, Benitez has been forced into seeking out value instead of top rate players. With Real Madrid completing a double swoop for Alvaro Arbeloa and midfield lynch-pin Xabi Alonso, the squad has started taking on a much more lightweight make-up. So with a need to raise a transfer kitty and shed some deadweight, who should be the casualties in Liverpool this summer and who should replace them?

Players Out?

Albert Riera – The Spanish winger is undoubtedly an able player who could provide the left sided balance to counter Maxi Rodriguez. However, following his blunt criticism of manager Benitez, he was swiftly transfer listed and looks to have played his last game for Liverpool.

Ryan Babel – Showing fleeting moments of the ability which warranted a £14 million price tag, Babel has not delivered consistently world class performances down the flank. A healthy transfer fee could be commanded this summer though.

Philipp Degen – The Swiss international has failed to make his mark following two years blighted by injury and the impressive form of Glen Johnson. At 27 years old, he is unlikely to oust the England Right Back any time soon and having been signed on a free transfer, any sale will be a profit.

Lucas Leiva – With a strong central midfield and attack it is difficult to see where the underachieving Brazilian can fit in. Especially with Benitez looking to bring in some more quality players, it may be time for his inexplicable persistence with Lucas to be ended.

Andriy Voronin – The Ukrainian has far from lit Merseyside alight. Unfortunately, a loan move to Borussia Münchengladbach last season failed to command a permanent move away but Liverpool could at least save from their wage bill if they find a suitor.

Players In?

Giorgio Chiellini – The Juventus centre back could provide the defensive competition needed to pressure Liverpool’s back line into consistently top rate performances. With Juventus slipping in Serie A, now may be the time to test Chiellini’s resolve of staying with the Italian giants.

Gary Cahill – Should Chiellini stick with his current club, Benitez may turn to the highly rated Bolton defender to put pressure on his back line and provide accomplished defensive cover.

Martin Petrov – Petrov will become a free agent in the summer and as long as Benitez can get the 31 year old to consistently terrorise defences, this could prove shrewd business whilst looking for a long term option.

David Villa – A constant target of Europe’s elite and with Valencia’s plans for a new stadium pushing them further into debt, there are murmurings that the La Liga outfit may be forced into a sale. He won’t come cheap though and Liverpool will need to convince him they are serious contenders for Champions League qualification next year.

Who do you think Liverpool fans should buy/sell this summer? Please leave your comments below.