Brendan Rodgers needs to bring a top-class midfielder to Liverpool in the summer transfer window, according to Vegard Heggem.
The Liverpool manager is expected to be handed a significant transfer budget to bolster his squad after qualifying for the Champions League group stage.
The 41-year-old Northern Irishman has been urged by many former Liverpool stars to strengthen his defence at the end of the season after his side conceded 50 Premier League goals.
Brendan Rodgers has developed into a great and respected manager
Vegard Heggem
However, former Reds full-back Heggem reckons Rodgers should sign a central-midfielder, with the Merseyside club having being linked with Southampton captain Adam Lallana.
“I think we first and foremost need a top European-class player in central midfield,” Heggem told The Sport Review.
The former Norway international has been impressed with Rodgers’s impact since replacing Kenny Dalglish at the Anfield helm in May 2012.
And Heggem believes the Liverpool manager’s greatest strength is improving the players already at his disposal, including the likes of Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling.
“Brendan Rodgers has developed into a great and respected manager,” Heggem continued.
“He can now continue to develop his team with a lot of confidence after the progress they’ve shown this season.
“Also, the way that several players have flourished and are playing to their highest potential, game in game out, under his reign is a very positive sign.”
Heggem, who was spotted by Liverpool after a series of eye-catching performances with Rosenborg in Champions League, reserved special praise for full-back Jon Flanagan.
“I’m surprised by his consistency. He very rarely puts a foot wrong, and makes good and simple choices with the ball. He’s obviously got mental strength,” Heggem added.