Liverpool surpassed all expectations when they challenged for the Premier League title last season, coming just two points short of winning their first league trophy in 24 years.
However to overthrow the powerhouses from Manchester and London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea again, Brendan Rodgers cannot and will not rest on his laurels.
And what better way to scout talent than to enjoy the ‘Biggest show on Earth’, the FIFA World Cup.
Group F, in which Argentina battled it out with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran to progress into the next round (along with Algeria) is full of talent, but who is worthy of Liverpool’s attention?
Here we take a look at SIX World Cup Stars Liverpool should sign from Group F.
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON EDIN DZEKO TO SEE THE FULL LIST!
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Javier Mascherano
Age: 30
Club: Barcelona
Position: CB, CDM, CM
Nationality: Argentina
Estimated Value: £14million
With Liverpool’s attack one of the best in the league, Brendan Rodgers will look to shore up the defensive aspect of the squad and could resign Argentine defensive-midfielder Javier Mascherano.
The 30-year-old already played for the Reds from 2007-2010, impressing enough to be purchased by Barcelona for £19million. Now deemed surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp, Liverpool should make an offer to bring back the former Liverpool man.
Edin Dzeko
Age: 28
Club: Manchester City
Position: FW
Nationality: Bosnia-Herzegovina
Estimated Value: £18million
Although Edin Dzeko has been a regular goal-scorer for Manchester City, the Bosnian isn’t as valued to the club as the other strikers. And with only one year remaining on his current contract, Liverpool would do well to sign the former Wolfsburg star.
Luis Suarez – especially with the new biting incident – is looking likely to leave the club and Dzeko would be an adequate replacement. In all competitions Dzeko scored 26 goals and provided 16 assists last season… numbers that prove he can score especially with the service he will be receiving from the Liverpool midfield.
Fernando Gago
Age: 28
Club: Boca Juniors
Position: CDM
Nationality: Argentina
Estimated Value: £4million
Another option for a defensive midfielder partner to play alongside Steven Gerrard is former Real Madrid star Fernando Gago. Touted once to become a great, Gago hasn’t developed to be an absolute world beater but is nonetheless a solid player in the middle of the park.
His impressive skillset includes tackling and composure on the ball, with a keen reading of the game to intercept attacking passes. The Argentine is a definite improvement to the injury-prone Lucas and could be snapped up for around £4million.
Miralem Pjanic
Age: 24
Club: AS Roma
Position: CM
Nationality: Bosnia-Herzegovina
Estimated Value: £18million
Miralem Pjanic has always been regarded as one for the future, but last season with Roma has seen the Bosnia-Herzegovina midfielder become one of the league’s best. Brendan Rodgers will know well that Steven Gerrard isn’t getting any younger, and Pjanic would be a perfect understudy.
The former Lyon man scored six goals and provided another six last season, but this one is just pure class.
//www.youtube.com/embed/LBJpCDwQexY
Ogenyi Onazi
Age: 23
Club: Lazio
Position: CM
Nationality: Nigeria
Estimated Value: £6million
Liverpool have been tracking young midfielder Ogenyu Onazi for some time and after a very successful season at Lazio, could now finally make a move for the highly-rated youngster.
Onazi is an adept player in the mould of Javier Mascherano, possessing an eye for the interception as well as getting in a crucial challenge. He is the perfect foil for a more attacking central midfielder and would work well with Steven Gerrard or his future understudy.
Ashkan Dejagah
Age: 27
Club: Fulham
Position: RM
Nationality: Iran
Estimated Value: £3million
Don’t let Dejagah’s choice to play for Asian side Iran fool you, the Fulham man has played for Germany in all Youth levels and impressed while doing so. The right winger is quick and good on the ball, but more importantly tracks back well, contributing to the team’s defence.
With Fulham relegated, Liverpool should swoop in to add some depth as they challenge in the Champions League next season. Dejagah played a pivotal role when he helped Wolfsburg win the Bundesliga back in 2008 (same team as Dzeko), and is by no means new to a challenge.