Liverpool FC: 6 Changes to Put Reds Back on Top

Last week was special for Liverpool Football Club.

Not only did the Redmen of Merseyside defeat their fiercest rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup fourth round, they also bypassed Manchester City in a thrilling Carling Cup semi-final second leg to book a place at Wembley on February 26th.

Not a bad week's work.

Whilst the dust settles on those emotional two games, it's hard not to start thinking about the Premier League and where Liverpool are going wrong.

It's clear Liverpool can do the business when it matters, but why can't they do it week in, week out against the so called lesser sides?

Everybody knows Kenny Dalglish spent big last Summer, but his signings haven't lived up to their expectations thus far and Liverpool look destined to miss out on the Champions League once again.

So what needs to change in order to compete with the Manchester Clubs at the top of the table?

Here we'll take a look at six changes that could be made in order to make that Premier League dream a reality.

Swallow Your Pride

Kenny Dalglish declared a few weeks ago that Liverpool were expected to be quiet in the transfer window this January.

In a previous article I questioned whether Dalglish was merely showing us his poker face as he worked feverishly behind closed doors to make a deal happen.

We still don't know whether Liverpool are actively trying to sign anybody. but recent reports of an Andy Carroll for Carlos Tevez swap deal attempt suggests Mr Dalgish may have been telling a few white lies.

Stewart Downing, Andy Carroll, and Charlie Adam haven't worked out for Dalglish as he expected, so the Scotsman may be fearful of dipping into the transfer market again in case any new signings fail on the same level.

Dalglish has to swallow his pride and accept he got those deals wrong—either in the ability the players have, or in the price he paid.

If Dalglish continues to persist that his signings will work in the pursuit of the Premier League title then Liverpool will go nowhere.

Step one is acceptance.

Dutch of Class

Dirk Kuyt scored his first goal of the season against Manchester United which put Liverpool into the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Kuyt is one of the most tireless workers Liverpool Football Club have ever had, and in the 2010/11 season he was the clubs top scorer.

Why then has he been such a bit part player over the course of this season?

See slide one for the answer to that question.

If Andy Carroll isn't scoring goals and putting in the effort, Kuyt should be brought back into the fold on a more regular basis.

Kuyt might not be the most clinical of forwards, but he will never let you down for effort, passion and commitment.

Step two is to field players who will work for the cause and Liverpool might be able to steal a Champions League place.

January Transfer Window

The current team isn't good enough to get higher than fourth position on their own so Liverpool need to buy.

Whether that's in the next couple of days or in the Summer is subject to debate.

In order to get to the top of the Premier League then Liverpool will find the better deals in the Summer time when prices are less inflated.

The only problem is that almost every team on the continent will be looking to strengthen in the Summer, whereas not all teams are in a position to purchase right now.

Dalglish has declared he has the January money available if he wants to use it, so why not steal a march and bring someone on board?

Champions League qualification could pay for a purchase outright if the right deal is found, and it will also help attract bigger names in the Summer if European Football at the top level is assured.

Step three is to spend a little now, but Liverpool fans will be disappointed with Dalglish's comments this morning stating there would be no transfers in or out of the club.

Goals, Goals, Goals

Goal scoring has become a real issue that needs addressing.

I have already spoke about bringing Dirk Kuyt back into starting line up, but if Liverpool are to get back to the top of the table they need a 25 goals+ per season striker.

For all the ability Luis Suarez has, he can spurn a lot of good chances throughout a match and those points could come back to haunt a team.

If Liverpool don't invest in a player who can put the ball in the back of the net, then all the clean sheets and great build up play will count for nothing.

Step four is to find a striker that is top class.

New Stadium

With more and more emphasis being put on a club to be self-sufficient, Liverpool might think that it's time to find a new ground.

With development of Anfield proving difficult, NESV ought to press on with plans for a new stadium, for which the club already has been given planning permission.

A new stadium would increase revenue for the club and ensure the long term financial backing to compete with Europe's elite.

Considering Old Trafford holds 75,811 people compared to Anfield's 45,276, Liverpool are potentially missing out on approximately £1,221,400 per home game on tickets alone if we use £40 per ticket as a guide price.

That's a lot of revenue difference to lose to your rivals.

Consider it this way: on EPL ticket income alone Manchester United make over £23 million a year more than Liverpool from Premier League matches.

That's the difference between buying Stewart Downing and Eden Hazard.

Step five is the new stadium.

Stop with the Young English Plan

Whilst it is accepted that Premier League clubs have to have a certain number of home grown players now, that doesn't mean Liverpool shouldn't consider foreign talent.

English players are often overrated, over-hyped and overpriced.

Dalglish and Comolli need to realise that signing young English talent for the future might not get the job done and should look elsewhere for potential stars.

Henderson certainly has all the attributes to be a great player, but he's had to grow up quickly at Liverpool.

Jonjo Shelvey might have a decent future ahead of him, but consider that he has a little over a year left before he reaches the same age that Steven Gerrard cemented his place in the first team, and it becomes clear that he is some way behind in the ability stakes.

Downing and Carroll are the major faux pas in this area.

Step six is a new transfer policy.

After Thoughts

There is no guaranteed method of success when it comes to football as it takes a fine blend of youth, experience, knowledge, tactics, desire, ability and luck.

Even with all their riches, Manchester City didn't get it right the first season they had their cash influx as we saw Robinho come and go in a wave of publicity.

Money doesn't buy success but it certainly helps.

If Liverpool want to be the best then they need to attract the best. In order to do that they need to be able to offer Champions League football.

Given their current league placing and league form, the only way they'll be able to do that is to bring someone in before February in the hope that they will give the extra push required.

Thanks for reading and follow me on twitter @petercwebster where I post all my b/r articles.

Still got FA Cup fever? Click here to read about the 10 biggest FA Cup shocks ever.