Liverpool wasted no time in getting off and running with their transfer business this summer, and for the second consecutive summer not allowing Luis Suarez to become too big a distraction.

The biggest issue for the club has been to strengthen ahead of their return to the Champions League this season. Last term, the club were fortune to have very little distractions away from the Premier League, having been knocked out of the League Cup early and not having to worry about the FA Cup until January.

The club have parted with close to £100 million so far, and the spending isn’t over. But has it been the perfect summer transfer window for Brendan Rodgers?

Here’s a look at four reasons why Liverpool’s spending spree has been underwhelming.

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

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Big money spent, but no star arrivals

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The most exciting arrival at Anfield this summer has been that of Lazar Markovic from Benfica – and that’s before Mario Balotelli arrives from AC Milan.

The club have thus far hit the £20 million mark three times, but have yet to bring in an established world-class player. Markovic may develop into one in time, but the youngster has very little experience at the top of European football, having served only one season in Portugal. The Premier League is obviously a major step up.

In comparison to Tottenham last summer, Liverpool have thus far fair to get pulses racing. This time last year, Spurs had brought in Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen, who held very high reputations from their time with Roma and Ajax. In addition, an experienced striker was signed in Roberto Soldado. Of course, that was all before it went pear shaped.

But the point is Liverpool’s signings haven’t been as impressive as they could have been, despite the large outlay.

Are Liverpool better?

Liverpool v Borussia Dortmund - Pre Season Friendly

Having spent around £100 million this summer, can it be said that Liverpool are better than they were last season?

Luis Suarez proved to be the difference for the club last season, but following his sale to Barcelona, have the club spent on players that will take them to the next level, or even ensure they stay where they are?

The squad is deeper, but that has been a means to counter the increased work load of European football. The most important signing may be Dejan Lovren at centre-back, but that’s on the basis that he continues his form of last season.

For now, there are no certainties that Liverpool will be in the top four come May.

Victims of Premier League premium

Adam Lallana

There were a couple of teams chasing Adam Lallana, but in the end Liverpool won the race for the former Southampton captain’s signature, a signing that sees them pay £25 million to the south coast club.

It’s generally been agreed upon that Liverpool have overspent on Lallana, who only has two years of experience in the Premier League at 26, and has seen very little game time with England and nothing thus far in the Champions League.

It’s another example of the premium placed on English Premier League players. Could Liverpool have gotten a better player abroad for the same money? Without a doubt.

The club fell victim once again to inflated fees with the signing of Dejan Lovren, whose value more than doubled following his £8.5 million move to Southampton from Lyon last year.

Liverpool have spent big, but it can’t be said that they’ve spent well within English football.

Still no holding midfielder

Lucas Leiva (Liverpool)

Emre Can has been touted as a long-term solution to the holding midfield role, but the former Bayern Munich player has little experience in that role up until now, having played further forward in midfield and at left-back for Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool desperately need a defensive midfielder to help improve on their defensive record of last season, and despite buying in bulk, they’re yet to properly address that area of the pitch.

If Liverpool go into the season with only Lucas and Steven Gerrard as holding midfield options, the team will once again have to rely on the forwards to fire them into the top four, which is easier said than done following Suarez’s departure.