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Top 5 players Liverpool must upgrade before next season

By Rucker Haringey

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool (C) celebrates with team mates as he scores their second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on March 20, 2016 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool (C) celebrates with team mates as he scores their second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on March 20, 2016 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images) /
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 13: Martin Skrtel of Liverpool looks on after being pushed into the crowdduring the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on December 13, 2015 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 13: Martin Skrtel of Liverpool looks on after being pushed into the crowdduring the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on December 13, 2015 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

3. Martin Skrtel

The 31-year-old Slovakian has struggled with fitness issues this season, but that’s likely a sign that his body is starting to break down. Jurgen Klopp must find a replacement for him as a first-choice centre-back this offseason.

Fortunately for the Reds, they’ve already agreed to bring Joel Matip over from Schalke, which should accomplish this in one transaction. It’s hard to imagine Matip not starting almost every match for Klopp next year, even as he adjusts to Premier League competition.

That’s going to leave Skrtel on the bench, more often than not. The higher-ups at Liverpool will need to carefully assess whether or not he’s capable of accepting such a diminished role. If he is, then absolutely keep him at Anfield. If not, sell him while you can still hope to recover a decent transfer fee for the bald defender.

Skrtel is a good example of a player who would be good enough for a mid-table Premier League club, but isn’t good enough to start regularly for a top-four contender. He must be transitioned into a different role if Liverpool are going to mount a true Champions League push.

Next: 2. Simon Mignolet

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