John Arne Riise urges Jurgen Klopp to change Liverpool spine with big summer transfer swoop

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been urged to stage a mass overhaul of his first team and sign a completely new spine ahead of next season. Reds legend John Arne Riise has advised the German boss to revamp his squad with a new goalkeeper, centre-back, central midfielder and forward, as well as getting Daniel Sturridge fit and firing.

The England international is in the midst of his latest injury return, making successive starts against Aston Villa and Augsberg, but there remain concerns over his durability over a longer period. The 26-year-old had made just six Premier League appearances this season, but will be hopeful of featuring in the Capital One Cup final against Manchester City.

Of greater concern to Riise, however, is the spine of Liverpool's team, which he believes requires significant surgery ahead of the new season. Klopp has been consistently coy over the club's dealings in the transfer window but Riise is adamant the coach must make changes to ensure his high-pressing game works.

"I think that the central lines in every department have to be changed," Riise, who won the European Cup with Liverpool in 2005, told Goal.com. "I think we need a goalkeeper, a real leader at centre-back, a central midfielder and also a centre-forward. Daniel Sturridge is a fantastic striker but he spends more time on the sidelines than playing – and that is not good for the club.

The former Norwegian, international, who is currently applying his trade in India, added: "I was very happy when [Klopp] was appointed Liverpool manager. He demands a lot of effort, hard work and high pressing. His style suits the club perfectly. Unfortunately, in recent years, the club has not been challenging for titles and a club like Liverpool should always be challenging for titles, season after season."