Liverpool ready to build on Luis Suarez legacy

At full back, weak link Glen Johnson may find himself usurped in the pecking order by new addition Javi Manquillo. The Spanish star is only on loan from parent club Atletico Madrid, but will be given the chance to prove he can be a long term solution to the Reds’ defensive woes.

Left back Luis Enrique could also find himself fighting for selection if Rodgers manages to lure long-term target Alberto Moreno to Anfield. With versatile academy product Jon Flanagan also competing for a starting spot, Liverpool certainly have a deeper pool of options available.

In midfield and offence, meanwhile, the Reds have stayed true to their emphasis on youth. Starlets Emre Can, Lazar Markovic, Divock Origi and Kevin Stewart have all been snapped up for, according to reported fees, a combined total close to the tune of £40m.

Rodgers has done well with the youth prospects available to him so far, elevating youngsters Philipe Coutinho, Flanagan, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge into top performers for his side. However, perhaps that significant outlay could have been spent on a direct replacement for Suarez, with the fledgling stars added afterwards.

Belgian striker Origi will stay at former club Lille on loan this term, and it is unlikely the talented £20m man Markovic will transform into a magician overnight. The Serbian attacker has a modest goal record of seven last term, suggesting he will not be matching Suarez’s impressive offensive contributions, at least numbers-wise, immediately.

A failed move for QPR and France forward Loic Remy could be a blessing in disguise, with Liverpool back on the market for another senior striker. Long-mooted options such as Wilfried Bony will not keep Champions League opponents awake at night, or quicken the pulses of the Kop, with a marquee signing required to give Liverpool a boost.

Whilst it is never a good idea to make prestige buys just for signings sake, without one, Sturridge faces the pressure of being the lead man after just one prolific campaign, in his role as understudy and foil to Suarez.

Sterling and Lambert have both dazzled so far in pre-season but it would be unfair to expect the youngster and the veteran to shoulder the burden of Liverpool’s Suarez-shaped hole. Likewise, Gerrard should be fresher after retiring from international football, but aged 34, his powers will inevitably wane.

Radamel Falcao would be an excellent if relatively short-term stop gap up front, with his record of 199 goals in 302 outings speaking for itself. Recently linked to Liverpool in a loan deal, the Colombian hitman would be a signing that could potentially make the difference between top four or a trophy, and is odds-on at 8/11 to transfer to Anfield before the window closes.

Rodgers must bear in mind that whilst his squad has been significantly weakened, Premier League rivals such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all strengthened. The Gunners have welcomed World Cup star Alexis Sanchez, whilst the Blues have drafted in Spain duo Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa.

Whilst bitter rivals United have made no superstar signings, they have brought in much needed reinforcements and already boast the game-changing trio of Juan Mata, Robin van Perise and Wayne Rooney, which leaves Liverpool firmly in the shade.

Reds fans can point to the eternal egg Alan Hansen has on his face for once daring to suggest the Red Devils would not win anything with kids. However, it is a vastly different game now, with fans, media and owners demanding instant results.

United themselves once faced questions over where the goals would come from, after off-loading leading scorer Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2006. A certain Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to the plate then, but it would be too naïve of Rodgers to be hoping one of his young recruits can reach that level.

If Liverpool fail to nab a big-name, though, it may play into Rodgers’ hands. Last term saw the Reds rise above the sum of their parts, due to the careful implementation of a system which allowed even limited players to thrive.

Without the distractions of a big-name ego, and with Adam Lallana as their most expensive summer signing, Liverpool may be able to capitalise on the team spirit and organisation that saw them enjoy a renaissance. At 9/4 to be top north west club in the upcoming campaign, perhaps Rodgers can transform his side’s weakness into a strength.