Jude Bellingham is the right man to lead Liverpool into a second era under Jurgen Klopp and he should bring one of his international teammates with him.
That's the view of former Arsenal legend Ray Parlour, who accepts that new squad additions will be crucial to getting the Reds back on track but believes that just of few of the right type of players can get achieve that aim.
Liverpool's season has fallen well short of expectation, with a combination of injuries and poor form resulting a near-elimination from every cup competition and a current placing of only eighth in the Premier League table, prior to facing Crystal Palace on Saturday.
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Speaking to aceodds.com, Parlour said: "I think that recruitment is going to be so important for Liverpool. I know there might be some investment coming in, to give them a little bit more funds to spend. They've had lots of injuries as well. I mean, there's no doubt that Diaz and Jota have been out for big parts of the season. Recently Van Dijk's been out for a few weeks as well, which really cost them.
"We always say about the aging midfield, I think that if you can go out and get Bellingham, even Declan Rice, I don't know where Declan Rice is going to go from West Ham. That midfield area is so important. If they can bring in some big players in that midfield, I think they could certainly bounce back very quickly.
"I think Nunez is going to be a good signing. He's going to get better, put it this way. He does make some runs and he's pacey. He does get offside quite often, but I think he's going to improve and learn his trade a bit better. But I think the midfield area, for me, so important. I think they're okay at full back. Trent has got to defend a little bit better at times, but I like the way goes forward. Love Robertson at left back, I think he's a top class player. Van Dijk's gonna be there.
"I just feel the midfield area they're just lacking something in there and if they can get someone like Bellingham, which is being reported, then I think they could certainly bounce back."
Liverpool now face a battle to qualify for next season's Champions League, with a seven-point gap to make up on fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur prior to the Reds' Saturday evening trip to Selhurst Park. With plenty of credit in the bank, the indifferent campaign has not put Klopp's future under any additional pressure, but Parlour is certain that the German has what it takes to turn things around.
Parlour said: "I think every job is under pressure. That's the day and age of football now. For every single job, people know exactly what they have to do to keep their jobs. I think Jurgen Klopp will be realistic about the season, it hasn't been good enough for Liverpool's standards, we all know that. But it's all about bouncing back, and he needs to be given a little bit of time.
"I mean, if they start the season badly next year, there will certainly pressure on him. I think recruitment is going to be so important in the summer. I'm sure they will start the season well. I think he's a top class manager Jurgen Klopp and there's not many managers out there as good as him.
"So when you want to sack managers, it's all about who you're gonna bring in after and you've seen with Leeds, they haven't had a plan. It's alright sacking manages but I think you've always got to have someone behind the scenes, tapping people up and saying "are you interested? Lot's of people have said [Diego] Simeone over the years, to come to the Premier League. Which would be interesting. But I certainly think Jurgen Klopp deserves a little bit more time, and I think he'll get it right. Definitely."
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