By Krishen Bhautoo (TTT Subscriber Krishaldo) and Arnar Steinsson.

When looking to achieve trophies, the ideal scenario is to have two or three worldies to play in each position. This way, there is competition for places, the ability to rotate, cover for injuries/suspensions and the quality of the starting XI will predominantly stay at a top level.

But in reality, I don’t remember any team in the history of football being able to boast this. Even the might of the original Real Madrid Galacticos had the likes of Woodgate, Gravesen and Cicinho. All the finances afforded by Man City, Chelsea, PSG and Monaco still haven’t seen them dominate in a manner in which their spending would suggest they could.

Instead, we have seen the rise of the Germans. Dortmund and Bayern look absolutely devastating, yet still on a budget. In fact (‘fact’ meaning I read it on Twitter), the Bayern squad who recently destroyed Man City cost less than Gareth Bale (not including TPI).

Domestically, we have seen United dominate. They haven’t spent vast amounts all over the pitch, they have added to their squad with youth and reserve players, allowing them to spend big when they need to on Rios, Rooneys, Ruuds and Robins.

So how could Liverpool emulate this?

We don’t have the financial means or Champions League presence to be dining at the top table (yet). But we do have an outstanding youth set up and a scouting committee who look to have a very good record so far. Signings by the committee:

I’d say all these players have or could bring something to the squad more than their fee would suggest. Iago Aspas is the only one I ‘worry’ about, but it is still very early days for him, and at 26 years old with a fee of £7m he is hardly going to make a huge dent in our pocket should we wish to sell him in a year or two.

But where do we need to strengthen from here on in?

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