Neville(s) identify four positions where Liverpool must buy

Matt Stead

Gary and Phil Neville both agree that Liverpool must sign a new goalkeeper this summer, while strengthening in other positions.

The Reds finished fourth in the Premier League this past season, but at one stage looked as though they could have challenged for the title.

A dramatic collapse in January thwarted that bid, but they recovered to secure Champions League qualification for the first time since 2013/14.

The Nevilles have identified four key positions where the club must strengthen this summer: Goalkeeper, centre-half, left-back and holding midfielder.

“I think they need numbers,” said Phil. “The problems they had last season were around Christmas time or January and February when they had multiple injuries in their squad.

“The squad didn’t have enough depth to cope with all their injuries.

“I think with their Champions League qualification now with the FA Cup, the League Cup and the League, they are going to need five or six more players to thicken up the squad and they’re going to need quality to improve the starting XI.

“I think there was a period just before Christmas, maybe in November, when you thought ‘Liverpool could win the league this year.’

“In terms of the positions in which Liverpool need strengthening, I think the goalkeeping situation is always a healthy debate,” he added.

“With Mignolet there, is he a goalkeeper who is going to win you the league? I don’t think so and maybe that’s a position they have to strengthen.

“But I think squad depth is a problem Liverpool have, more than squad quality.”

Brother Gary agreed over the goalkeeper, but added that the club need even more signings.

“I think they need centre backs,” he said.

“And a left back. I think James Milner did a brilliant job last season, but to continue to think he can keep playing there…

“I think they need to sort out the defence and the goalkeeper and although I do like Emre Can, potentially a holding midfield player, depending on how Jordan Henderson is.”