Reinforcements in the Centre for Gerrard, Lucas and Co

It may now feel like a lifetime since Steven Gerrard netted those goals in the 2005 Champions League Final and the 2006 FA Cup Final – the years where he would dominate from box to box and continuously act as Liverpool’s saviour.

Yet despite a new, more reserved position to save his now 33 year old legs, he still pops up now and again to give Liverpool the win, such as his pressure penalty against Fulham to keep the Premier League dream going.

However, the target is to make the Champions League. If that is achieved, then a larger squad will be needed to sustain the fight both at home and abroad. But one of the many positive aspects of being in Europe’s premier club competition is that it provides the finances to sustain such a squad.

Gerrard has been a world class footballer for well over a decade, but he can’t last forever, especially week in week out. Furthermore, whilst Lucas Leiva is a quality defensive midfielder, he picks up a lot of injuries and takes a while to come back from them.

Therefore another defensive midfielder is needed for Liverpool to remain strong in that department if they are to embark on a season which will contain the Champions League.

1. Fernando
Despite the disappointment of missing out on a pre-contract with his new deal at current employers FC Porto, Fernando would still be a quality addition to the midfield.
At 26, he is in the prime of his career with plenty of experience winning trophies in Portugal and playing in the Champions League. His price would now probably go up to £15m with the new contract, but with other suitors now turning elsewhere Liverpool could land him with little competition and without an inflated price tag.

2. Maxime Gonalons
The talented Lyon midfielder came close to a move to Napoli in January, but that was blocked, while Arsenal are long-term admirers. Coming through the Lyon academy, the club are currently facing no European football at all next season, languishing 6th in Ligue 1. Again that would make the price tag cheaper compared to if he was already at a Champions League club, although the other interested clubs may increase that.
Nevertheless, he is only 24 and is already Lyon’s captain, while he can play at centre back and covers the ground well. Gonalons would be a very useful asset in the Liverpool squad next season.

3. Lars Bender
Again strongly linked with Arsenal, perhaps a cheaper deal could be done here with Sami in charge! The Leverkusen man already has a reputation for possessing an all-round game and has many admirers, including a certain Jan Molby. Another with time on his side at 24, he is the twin brother of Sven Bender, yet Lars is the one with greater quality.
He has an engine comparable to Jordan Henderson and comes up with spectacular goals from time to time. Leverkusen rejected bids last summer of around £15m for Bender, seeking £20m and may demand similar again this time round as they are looking likely to qualify for the Champions League, sitting 1 point clear of Borussia Dortmund in 2nd in the Bundesliga. Come on Sami!

4. Yann M’Vila

Comparable to Javier Mascherano in his heyday with quick pressing, energy and tough tackling, M’Vila represents the perfect defensive midfielder. At Rennes, he was seen as one of France’s brightest prospects, playing for the national team at Euro 2012 and being linked with the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal.
Unfortunately M’Vila has slipped from that peak and potential, suffering inconsistency and gaining a bad-boy reputation. Now at Rubin Kazan, who, with all due respect, are not one of Europe’s superpowers, M’Vila hasn’t seemed to have made the most out of his ability. Maybe he needs a second chance. He is immensely talented, and would completely suit the physical rigours of the Premier League.
In addition, because he is at Rubin Kazan and is more of a risk, the price would be lower, probably between £8-10m. He is definitely more of a risk than most, but one that could be very much worth it.

5. Blaise Matuidi
Probably the most unrealistic option here, Matuidi is one of the stars at the mega-rich Paris Saint- Germain, but has yet to sign a new deal with theFrench giants (although that could soon change), prompting Manchester City and Chelsea to come in with apparent pre-contract offers.
Liverpool even with Champions League football would be outsiders to land Matuidi, but with absolutely nothing to lose, why not offer a contract and see what happens? Again like Fernando he is at his peak at 26, but unlike Fernando he would cost at least £20m+ if he does sign a new deal.
If Liverpool want Matuidi, they need to be quick.