4 Affordable Euro Stars That Would Make Liverpool a Better Team

It's all over.

Poland and Ukraine treated us to a fantastic European Championship which saw Spain crowned again as champions as they clinched a historic "treble:" three major tournaments in a row. 

But with every great end, there comes a new beginning.

The summer transfer window is now in full swing, and every club team has its heart set on building upon the successes of last year or making sure the failures don't happen again. 

It was a mixed season for Liverpool last year. Even though they broke their six-year trophy drought with the Carling Cup, they finished a disappointing eighth in the table.

Brendan Rodgers will be looking to cast his own look on the Liverpool squad in the transfer window, and what better place to look than the recently concluded Euros, where Europe's finest talent showcased their skills?

Here's a look at some Euro stars who would make Liverpool a better team—and won't break the bank.

Václav Pilař

Václav Pilař is one of the main reasons why the Czech Republic surprisingly won their group and why they took Portugal to the limit in their quarterfinal.

He was one of the pleasant surprises of the tournament, pleasing audiences with his pace, flair and determination. 

Liverpool needs a player with his speed and skill out on the left wing. He has the ability to dribble past and beat players and he can score goals, both things Stewart Downing failed to do this season.

And, at 23 years old, Liverpool would be getting their starting left wing for years to come. 

According to transfermarkt.co.uk, Václav Pilař would only cost Liverpool around £2 million—very affordable. 

*UPDATE*

Václav Pilař recently signed with Wolfsburg through 2015...sorry folks. 

Simon Kjær

Even though Martin Skrtel has denied any and all exit rumors (via ESPN Soccernet), if he does leave, then Liverpool has three options: let Jamie Carragher start again, begin starting Sebastian Coates or dip into the market for a new centre-back. 

While I wouldn't be opposed to Coates getting some Premier League action, Simon Kjær would make the most sense out of all the centre-backs that Liverpool can afford.

Simon Kjær and current Liverpool dynamo Daniel Agger were rock solid in Denmark's Euro campaign and, even though they didn't go through, they imposed their will on opposing offenses. 

A similar back line at the club level for Liverpool would make an already stellar defense that much better, and at £7 million (via transfermarkt.co.uk), Liverpool again wouldn't have to break the bank to sign him. 

Ivan Rakitić

I wonder how the tournament would have played out had Ivan Rakitić scored that goal. 

Ponderings aside, Ivan Rakitić would be another good player out on the wings for Liverpool. He impressed in Croatia's campaign with his ability to get in behind defenders off the wing and to beat players down the flank. 

He also can play competently across the midfield as a right wing, holding midfielder or attacking midfielder. 

At 24 years old and around £8 million (via transfermarkt.co.uk), Liverpool can definitely afford to snatch the young Croat up. 

Yevhen Konoplyanka

The "Ukrainian Messi" has garnered a lot of attention in Ukraine's brief stint in these European Championships. 

Galatasaray have already submitted a bid for the 22-year-old, while also attracting the attention of Manchester United and Arsenal—but then again, who hasnt?

Yevhen Konoplyanka terrorized opposing midfields and defenses with his blistering pace down the wing, and although he didn't score, he came close multiple times. 

If Liverpool can steal him away before the Galatasaray deal closes, it would be the steal of the transfer season.