Liverpool told which player they 'should build' next season despite distant Anfield links
Frank McAvennie believes Liverpool 'must build their team' around Thiago Alcantara next season as he is the most established player in midfield.
The Reds midfielder may well look different next season. James Milner returns to Brighton, Arthur Melo - who has hardly played - will return to Juventus, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are expected to leave at the end of the campaign.
Some signatures in the center of the park have been mentioned. It has been suggested that their 'main targets' in midfield are Alexis Mac Allister and Declan Rice.
Following discussions with Brighton and West Ham United, the situation regarding the movements of the two players is "evolving", according to Rudy Galetti.
Other central players have been linked with moves to Anfield. But while there could be a new midfielder, McAvennie believes a man from the current Reds squad - Thiago - should be the focal point.
"I tell you what, he's going to be the talisman," he told Football Insider.
"They have to build their team around him next year because they don't have [Jude] Bellingham.
“Jordan Henderson is going to be like Milner now, I think. They need young players in that midfield.”
Indeed, Bellingham could have taken on a leadership position immediately if he had joined. Although he is only 19 years old, he is captain of Borussia Dortmund and has the maturity and the class to be a leader and a star man.
However, Liverpool dropped their interest in the Englishman, deciding that a reconstruction of a few positions took priority.
McAvennie believes Liverpool's midfield resources, without signing Bellingham, mean Thiago is the perfect man to be the central figure.
“[Harvey] Elliott is not ready for the Premier League yet, he will be a great player but Liverpool need an established player at the moment. players from him,” he added.
"Get him in shape to start pre-season and take him to the park because he's the guy who can control games. He's the only guy I would build my team around, as a than a centre-forward, I would love to have him in midfield. I think he's a great player."
There are several reasons why Thiago may not be the right man for you. First of all, he's 32, and while some players are thriving in their 30s, there's no guarantee he will.
His injury history is also concerning as he ages. He missed quite long spells a few times during his time at Liverpool.
It has been no different this season, with the Spaniard managing just 14 league starts through injury. Moreover, Thiago has been linked with a move, with Klopp reportedly ready to call time due to these injuries.
As such, Liverpool might be best served by scouting for one of their young players or signing a star they believe will be a valuable asset for years to come.
READ MORE: 'He's not fantastic' - Agbonlahor crushes Arsenal, Liverpool playmaker credentials target strong interest
Frank McAvennie believes Liverpool 'must build their team' around Thiago Alcantara next season as he is the most established player in midfield.
The Reds midfielder may well look different next season. James Milner returns to Brighton, Arthur Melo - who has hardly played - will return to Juventus, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are expected to leave at the end of the campaign.
Some signatures in the center of the park have been mentioned. It has been suggested that their 'main targets' in midfield are Alexis Mac Allister and Declan Rice.
Following discussions with Brighton and West Ham United, the situation regarding the movements of the two players is "evolving", according to Rudy Galetti.
Other central players have been linked with moves to Anfield. But while there could be a new midfielder, McAvennie believes a man from the current Reds squad - Thiago - should be the focal point.
"I tell you what, he's going to be the talisman," he told Football Insider.
"They have to build their team around him next year because they don't have [Jude] Bellingham.
“Jordan Henderson is going to be like Milner now, I think. They need young players in that midfield.”
Indeed, Bellingham could have taken on a leadership position immediately if he had joined. Although he is only 19 years old, he is captain of Borussia Dortmund and has the maturity and the class to be a leader and a star man.
However, Liverpool dropped their interest in the Englishman, deciding that a reconstruction of a few positions took priority.
McAvennie believes Liverpool's midfield resources, without signing Bellingham, mean Thiago is the perfect man to be the central figure.
“[Harvey] Elliott is not ready for the Premier League yet, he will be a great player but Liverpool need an established player at the moment. players from him,” he added.
"Get him in shape to start pre-season and take him to the park because he's the guy who can control games. He's the only guy I would build my team around, as a than a centre-forward, I would love to have him in midfield. I think he's a great player."
There are several reasons why Thiago may not be the right man for you. First of all, he's 32, and while some players are thriving in their 30s, there's no guarantee he will.
His injury history is also concerning as he ages. He missed quite long spells a few times during his time at Liverpool.
It has been no different this season, with the Spaniard managing just 14 league starts through injury. Moreover, Thiago has been linked with a move, with Klopp reportedly ready to call time due to these injuries.
As such, Liverpool might be best served by scouting for one of their young players or signing a star they believe will be a valuable asset for years to come.
READ MORE: 'He's not fantastic' - Agbonlahor crushes Arsenal, Liverpool playmaker credentials target strong interest
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