Liverpool are "one or two" players short of a Premier League title win, says Charlie Adam

Posted Wednesday, August 01, 2018 by squawka.com

Liverpool are

Liverpool are "one or two" players away from being able to win the Premier League, according to former midfielder Charlie Adam.

The Reds have spent almost £170m this summer in a bid to build on last season's domestic and European success, and have transferred in goalkeeper Alisson, midfielders Naby Keita and Fabinho and attacker Xherdan Shaqiri.

And Adam, 32, who is currently plying his trade with Championship side Stoke City, believes his old club are close to nailed-on success thanks to their smart recruitment in the transfer window.

"Liverpool are one or two players from the title," Adam told the BBC's The Monday Night Club.

"He [Klopp] has added quality to the squad, I still think they could do with another centre-half.

"They have brought Shaqiri in, a good replacement if Mohamed Salah needs a rest. Daniel Sturridge is to come back in – if he stays fit he could be in that team as well.

"The goalkeeper situation was a big problem for them last season. He has seen that problem and got that deal done.

"He [Alisson] is going to be worth six to eight points over the season. It adds a total belief and confidence."

Adam also praised the abilities of new-signing Shaqiri, though he fears the Swiss may become frustrated with a lack of playing time as he will inevitably play second-fiddle to Mo Salah.

"He's got to try and replace Salah, the best player in the Premier League and has a chance for the Ballon d'Or," said the 32-year-old.

"It's only going to last six months and he won't be happy sitting on bench. He'll want to play in the bigger games.

"He might get frustrated at not playing as much as he wants – it's how long he waits and what Klopp does with him.

"He will fit in at Liverpool, he's a top player. He deserves to be there."

Adam spent a season-and-a-half at Liverpool, making 37 appearances and scoring two goals. The Scotsman's time at the club coincided with some of Liverpool's worst league finishes in living memory, with the Reds coming 8th and 7th respectively.

Liverpool take on Napoli on August 4 in their next pre-season match.