Mark Lawrenson urges Liverpool to sign left-back to provide competition to Alberto Moreno

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has urged Brendan Rodgers to sign a left-back this summer to provide competition to "struggling" Alberto Moreno.

The Spain international arrived at Anfield from Sevilla last summer and had a very good start to his life in England. However, the 23-year-old has struggled for form in the second half of the last season.

The Reds signed Joe Gomez from Charlton Athletic earlier this summer. The 18-year-old is a versatile player who can play as a centre-back or a full-back. The Liverpool manager admitted the teenager could start against Stoke City on 9 August.

The former Reds defender says the left-back is the only position where the Merseyside club have a weakness. Despite landing Gomez, Lawrenson wants Liverpool to sign a left-back in the ongoing summer transfer window.

"Liverpool need a new left-back. There were some rumours knocking around last week that Barcelona were sniffing around Alberto Moreno," Lawrenson told the Liverpool Echo.

"I'd be surprised if they want to take the Spaniard, given how, since the New Year, has been really, really struggling for form."

"Moreno started the season well after coming in from Sevilla and scored that fine goal at White Hart Lane, but it all fell apart in the second half of the season. Worryingly, quite often he has looked a little boy lost in the big games."

"Moreno deserves another chance. But we need more competition in his position, because it's clear Brendan Rodgers no longer has any real faith in Jose Enrique."

"You could argue left-back is the only position where the squad has an obvious weakness in terms of strength in depth.

"Joe Gomez can play in the role but, to be honest, you wouldn't want to be relying on someone so young and new so early in the campaign.

"Generally, though, nearly all of the people in other positions are under pressure for their place. You don't want anyone sitting in the dressing room believing they are going to be playing every week," the Anfield favourite concluded.

Rodgers omitted left-back Jose Enrique from Liverpool's final two pre-season friendlies against HJK Helsinki and Swindon Town. The Guardian reports the defender could be pushed out of the club this summer.