King Kenny needs a centre-back to complete Liverpool's rejuvenation.

On Saturday Liverpool looked in sensational form against Owen Coyle's Bolton side. The massive investment in personnel has attracted some criticism from Liverpool fans and football fans alike. I myself still consider some of the fee's paid for the likes of Jordan Henderson and Andy Carroll as slightly heavy, however it looks as though this Liverpool side can certainly contend for a top three spot this season. 

The match against Bolton saw new signings Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam net their first goals for the club, where Martin Skrtel also netted in a 3-1 victory at Anfield. Liverpool fans will have been pleased to see the attacking quality that Kenny Dalglish's side showed during the 90 minutes. Luis Suarez did everything but manage to score in what was a tireless and quality performance from the Uruguayan. 

Before moving on to what I think Liverpool may need to be full-strength, it is worth looking at where Liverpool had particular success against Bolton. New signings Jose Enrique and Stewart Downing were a real attacking force down the left-flank. The pair made a combined total of 103 successful passes, which is shown better in the passing map below. Jose Enrique's willingness to get forward and support Liverpool's attacking play was matched by Steward Downing's willingness to work defensively. The passing map would make it tricky to determine which of the two players was a left-back and which was a left-midfielder!

Stewart Downing and Jose Enrique linked up fantastically well in a 3-1 victory for Liverpool. 

So, what are Liverpool still perhaps lacking in their side?...I think a quality central defender. Jamie Carragher is 33 years old now and whilst he has been a fantastic servant for Liverpool, he is now becoming prone to errors! Ivan Klasnic profited from a Carragher error in the 92nd minute of time to bag yet another goal for Bolton. That perhaps is the difference between the likes of Carragher in comparison to a Nemanja Vidic at Man Utd. I do not think Daniel Agger is world class and I know a lot of Liverpool fans will completely agree with me on that front. 

20-year old Uruguayan Sebastian Coates has arrived from Nacional to potentially strengthen this area, but at a very young age and with only five international caps to his name he may not be the solution. 

I believe that if Kenny Dalglish manages to sign a top class central-defender before the end the transfer window Liverpool will be a real force in the coming season. In the event that he does not manage to do so it could be the difference between qualifying for the Champions League, which Liverpool fans undoubtedly miss! Jamie Carragher will continue to make the odd error, which may not seem too alarming to some Liverpool fans, but we all know it can be the difference between taking three points and one point away from a game.

I am excited to watch Liverpool this season and I hope the new signings continue to link up well and provide the attacking prowess they have done so far. Let us not forget that amongst all the big-name signings and decent results, Liverpool still await the return of a certain Steven Gerrard to the fold!

DH