Mark Lawrenson believes that Brendan Rodgers will be looking for attacking players to serve as long-term replacements for captain Steven Gerrard at Liverpool this summer.

Gerrard has become a legend on Merseyside for his performances for the Reds over the last 15 years. The skipper has also provided crucial leadership off the pitch, and his experience of success with the club will prove useful in inspiring younger players to achieve the same feat.

But, according to Lawrenson, it's likely he will play less games next season, and Rodgers will need more depth in his attacking line-up to challenge for a top four spot.

Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard might get less games for Liverpool next season, Mark Lawrenson says.

"Fenway Sports Group will want the team to be challenging for Champions League qualification," he said in the Liverpool Daily Post. "And I would expect them to be there or thereabouts.

"In some ways, maybe it needs to be next season because you look at Steven Gerrard and there will come a time soon when he will play less games.

"Liverpool aren't the same team without him, and I'd imagine Rodgers is already looking for more attacking players to help replace him."

This summer will be a huge test for Rodgers, after the manager had such a disappointing transfer window in his first in charge at Anfield.

The club finished seventh this season, and have a long way to go before they're pushing the likes of the Manchester clubs and Chelsea, but Lawrenson hopes that after a more successful January window, Rodgers can look to buid on that.

He explained: "The success of January signings Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho is a positive sign, not least as over the years people have come to question the scouting system at Anfield.

"And while it is bubbling under nicely, the fact is Liverpool must have a better season than this one.

"The shape of the team is solid and impressive, so really it's a case of getting the personnel right within it."