Phil Thompson: Liverpool legend urges Brendan Rodgers to sign experienced stars ahead of next season

Liverpool legend Phil Thompson has urged Brendan Rodgers to sign experienced stars rather than take a gamble on inexperienced players with raw talent.

The former Reds defender feels that the team needs a good blend of experience and youth and admits that the manager needs to focus on bringing in established first-team players this summer, after splurging on young potential during last year's transfer window.

The Northern Irishman spent over £100m last summer on bringing in players to fill various positions from clubs across Europe, but most of the players including Lazar Markovic, Dejan Lovren, Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert have failed to live up to their potential at Anfield.

Thompson understands that young potential players could come good next season, but insists that Liverpool have to hit the ground running in the next campaign rather than playing catch up and believes that the manager needs experienced players to fulfill the team's true potential.

"It's a big summer for Brendan and his staff. It was nice to see those young players come through but it can be hit and miss with potential and we need to hit the ground running next season," Thompson said, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.

"One of the big areas this summer is, having invested in a lot of youth and a few failures, which may come good next season, is adding more experience to the squad, which every Liverpool fan, including myself, wants to see," the former Three Lions star added.

Liverpool have struggled to replicate their goal scoring exploits from last season following the departure of Luis Suarez last summer. And Rodgers failed to replace the Uruguayan with a quality forward, as replacements Balotelli and Lambert have failed miserably with the duo managing just three goals between them in the Premier League thus far.

Thompson has called on the manager to bring in a top quality forward, who can provide able backup and challenge Daniel Sturridge, who has had an injury ravaged season that has seen him make just 12 appearances for the Merseyside club this season.

"Edinson Cavani, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Gonzalo Higuain and Jackson Martinez would all fit the bill and provide better cover for Daniel Sturridge, who is having his injury problems," the Liverpool legend insisted.

"Those guys are all prolific goalscorers in their league. We need to have that blend."