There is a lot of work to do at the start of a Liverpool save on Football Manager 2016. The quality of Coutinho and Firmino may stand out, but Rodgers’ transfer failings need to be corrected before you can mount a challenge for the top four.

Daniel Sturridge’s injuries are an issue, as they are in real life, whilst the defensive midfield position is a challenge despite Emre Can’s presence in the squad.

Football Manager might be the most realistic simulation game yet, but you will need to prove your ability in the transfer window before you can really win over the Kop faithful.

The squad already has a young flavour to it and the defence is not as leaky as some may have expected, although additions to depth will help a squad who are pushing in both the Europa and league.

Will you follow Klopp’s gegenpressing or look for a more patient build up?

These FIVE signings will be a brilliant starting point…

Sven Bender

With Lucas Leiva, being Lucas Leiva, a defensive midfielder must be an absolute priority. Sven Bender has all the traits on an ideal stopper in the centre of the park and has a perfectly rounded game to cap it off.

Bender could sit alongside Milner, Can or Henderson comfortably and would provide a perfect basis for the attacking flair of Coutinho or Firmino. Available for just over £10 million, Bender would be an utter steal.

Alexandre Pato

The previously heroic AC Milan star has re-found his star form in his return to Brazil and could be available for a comparatively cheap fee.

Pato can be utilised across the front line and he has electric pace that could help to stretch the game if played alongside Christian Benteke.

Pato’s first touch of 16 should help when breaking down a low block defence and should develop an understanding with fellow Brazilians, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho.

Breel Embolo

Whilst Liverpool’s attacking depth is not in question, Embolo’s availability for under £10 million is too good an offer to ignore.

With the correct management, this Basel star can become one of the best forwards in the game and has the versatility to offer quality anywhere along the forward line.

Pace is crucial again, but Embolo may have be worth signing to then loan out if you are building longer term.

Adriano

No, I’m not talking about the overweight striker, but Barcelona’s helpful full-back.

Capable of playing all the way down both flanks, this Brazilian is a very handy squad member who would be an ideal option to cover for players who may not be the most reliable.

Adriano will set you back under £5 million and will probably provide you with a goal of the month award or two!

Borja Valero

Much like Bender, Valero should be available from the transfer list at the start of your save, but for even less of your budget.

The classy Spaniard is available for £6.25million and can dictate the play in a way that no Liverpool player has done since Xabi Alonso.

Passing of 18 and vision of 17 would be ideal to pick out the pace of Sturridge or Pato in the final third and Valero gives an extra dimension to a Liverpool midfield that risks being all too similar.