Liverpool can compete for next season's title with new left-back and striker, says Steven Gerrard

'Hopefully we can get the two or three big pieces of the jigsaw that are missing'

Steven Gerrard and Jurgen Klopp together during Liverpool's end-of-season friendly against Sydney FC (Getty)

Steven Gerrard has said that Liverpool need a new left-back and striker if they’re to compete for the Premier League title next season.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was forced to make do with James Milner at left-back for the majority of the 2016/17 campaign after Alberto Moreno failed to impress in the position.

And although Klopp turned to Roberto Firmino to lead Liverpool’s front line, injuries to Daniel Sturridge and Danny Ings left the German short of options up front.

It was only through a strong end-of-season finish that Liverpool were able to finish in fourth and secure Champions League football.

But Gerrard, who has taken on the role of Liverpool’s U18s head coach, believes the senior side can challenge for their first English title in 27 years if Klopp fills the above spots in his Anfield outfit.

“I think we’ve got a fantastic manager at the helm, who will hopefully attract a few big names to complete the jigsaw,” Gerrard told BT .

“I think Liverpool are very, very close and if you look at the statistics of the top six from last season they were the best team in terms of head-to-head.

“So Liverpool know where they need to improve and it’s consistency against the teams in the bottom half of the table – the teams that sit narrow, compact and are difficult to break down.

“Hopefully we can get the two or three big pieces of the jigsaw that are missing and I’m really confident that Liverpool can keep moving forward and there will be success just around the corner.

“I think we need someone in the left-back position, James [Milner] has done a fantastic job out there, but it would be nice to have another option out there as well.


 Gerrard is head coach of Liverpool's U18s side 
 (Getty)

“And maybe one more attacking player to give some more firepower and help unlock the defences that are really narrow and compact.

“I don’t think we need major reconstruction, I think it’s just a couple of pieces of the jigsaw left and I’m really happy with where we are at the moment.”