Jurgen Klopp has been told to build his midfield around a player who’s already at the club and not a new signing, though one star who’s featured regularly this season has been labelled “not ready”.

The biggest issue to plague Liverpool this season has unquestionably been their under-strength midfield. The Reds will address the problem in the summer window, with moves for two and more probably three new faces to bolster the engine room.

Alexis Mac Allister is the player hoovering up Liverpool’s attention at present. However, according to former West Ham and Celtic striker, Frank McAvennie, Klopp should build his midfield around Thiago Alcantara instead.

The classy Spaniard never fails to impress when taking to the field. Unfortunately for Liverpool, injuries have meant those instances have become increasingly rare.

Thiago is currently sidelined after having hip surgery and at 32, his injury woes are unlikely to ease moving forwards.

However, McAvennie believes Thiago will become Liverpool’s “talisman” next season if fitness permits.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move into midfield when Liverpool are in possession should also allow Thiago more time and space to unpick opposing defences from the left side of midfield.

Elsewhere, McAvennie tipped captain Jordan Henderson to assume the role of James Milner moving forwards. Milner will leave to join Brighton as s free agent and became known as a player who could put out fires in multiple positions over recent seasons.

However, the verdict on rising youngster Harvey Elliott was not as positive. Despite making 43 appearances across all competitions this season, McAvennie doesn’t believe Elliott is at the level Liverpool require just yet.

Klop must not forget about Thiago

“I tell you what, he (Thiago) is going to be the talisman,” McAvennie told Football Insider. “They have got to build their team around him next year because they have not got Bellingham.

“Jordan Henderson is going to be like [James] Milner now I would think. They need to get young players in that midfield.

“[Harvey] Elliott is not ready for the Premier League yet, he will be a great player but Liverpool need an established player right now. Thiago is that guy but they have got to get players around about him.

“Get him fit to start pre-season and get him on the park because he is the guy that can control games.

“He is the one guy I would build my team around, as a centre-forward I would love to have him in the midfield. I think he is a wonderful player.“

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