Crunch Time at Christmas for Reds

Many are of the opinion that the Italian will not last much longer at Anfield

Some January signings would help.

There have been suggestions that bringing in more players would complicate issues further as Rodgers would then have to incorporate more new blood into his styles of play. Yet sadly there are many players on the books at Anfield who simply do not possess the quality required to be at a club of Liverpool’s stature and aspirations.

Glen Johnson’s contract runs out in January and he has never been a great defender – the Englishmen should be allowed an early exit to Italy, as the Reds could still pick up £5m for him.

Fabio Borini doesn’t offer enough and has fallen out of favour with Rodgers, particularly in the last month. There is no point in a loan deal; Sunderland are still interested in the Italian while a move back to his home country has been mooted as well.

Finally, Mario Balotelli should also be let go as the experiment has failed. It is a shame as he does possess a great deal of ability and potential but he is not reliable and there is no sign that he will ever fulfil himself on a consistent basis. Amazingly the likes of Paris Saint-Germain have been linked and his sale would raise some badly needed funds for new recruits.

There are few centre halves available that could truly improve Liverpool’s back line – Swansea City’s Ashley Williams and Aston Villa’s Ron Vlaar may both be fairly cheap but they come from a similar situation and background as Dejan Lovren and whilst the Reds need a leader at the back, he has to be of serious quality as well. Kolo Toure can hold the fort for this season, and if the Reds do make the Champions League then a player of the calibre of Mats Hummels should be looked at to finally end the search of replacing Jamie Carragher.

Instead a replacement for Johnson will be required – Barcelona’s Martin Montoya immediately springs to mind. He looks set to leave the Catalan giants, would fit the new formation perfectly and it still only 23. He and Javi Manquillo could then have a fierce battle for that right-back slot.

A goalkeeper is of great importance however, and there is really only one that stands out. Chelsea’s Petr Cech is available, not playing and still one of the best in the business. Jose Mourinho has previously stated and proved that he is willing to sell to rivals, such as with Juan Mata and Manchester United, and, frankly, at the moment Liverpool are not even that so a deal should be possible.

Simon Mignolet should remain at the club though, as Cech would only be able to play in the Premier League due to being cup-tied for everything else and it would give the Belgian a chance to fight for a future place, or at least to improve his chances of a better move in the summer.

Lacazette has been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool

Nonetheless, the most important position to fill this January is upfront. Even if Daniel Sturridge returns soon from injury, which cannot be guaranteed, another top quality striker is required to compete and cover the England frontman. Borini and Balotelli should be on their way out, while completing his loan at Lille is what’s best for Divock Origi and his development and Rickie Lambert was signed as a third choice striker and should return to that status.

Wilfried Bony, Alexandre Lacazette, Seydou Doumbia – thankfully, Torres is now off home to Atletico – these are realistic targets for Liverpool to pursue next month and none should go over £20m. Of these, Bony would be my personal choice as his goal record is without question, he carries pace and strength and could play alongside the likes of Sturridge and Sterling or on his own if required.

The next month is pivotal for Rodgers and Liverpool in shaping the outcome of this season. They have winnable games coming up, starting with Burnley and then home games to Swansea and Leicester going into 2015.

If the results and the signings are right, then there may still be success at the end of what has been a turbulent season thus far.

If everything goes wrong and the system is in tatters, then there will be no light at the end of the tunnel for this campaign and the reign of Rodgers may well come to an end.

Let’s hope the spirit of Christmas inspires and Santa brings lots of gifts to Anfield!