Why Liverpool must sign a quality midfield player

Liverpool will need to sign a quality midfielder before February if they are going to put in a strong challenge in their title bid this season

James Milner and Jordan Henderson in Liverpool's defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford

In the wake of Jurgen Klopp's side's 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford on Monday evening, many have been discussing the need for Liverpool to sign a central or an attacking midfield player. The Reds are currently battling injury problems in their midfield, with Thiago, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all out of action.

They have also had shortage in squad depth amid injuries spreaded across all areas of the team.

Defenders Ibrahima Konate and Matip are sidelined, forward Diogo Jota is also included on the list, and Darwin Nunez is suspended for three games for a bad reaction to Crystal  Palace defender Joachim Andersen's scheme.

Now the Reds are left with most notably Jordan Henderson , James Milner and Harvey Elliott who failed to impress the fans on Monday night against their bitter rivals Manchester United.

Liverpool's lack of creativity in their midfielder is definitely one of the biggest concerns going through the new season. Harvey Elliott who recently signed a new contract with the club, is not what fans would call world class at this moment. The Reds have developed an overly-reliant on Thiago Alcantara who has had sad injury records, a trend that the Anfield club should move to break this season.

Liverpool still miss the heart and grit of a player like Steven Gerrard or a Philippe Coutinho at his prime.

And with Sadio Mane also having left the club to alter the pace of the team, a deal for a quality midfielder is almost imperative for Jurgen Klopp side to add a new functional dimension to his team.