Liverpool may have missed the “last piece of the puzzle” last summer, a BBC pundit has said.

David Brindle has questioned whether Liverpool were in a rush to let Fabinho leave last summer.The then 29-year-old Brazilian was allowed to leave the club after paying Al Ittihad £40million. “Many are focusing on the defensive positioning of the midfielders. The summer signings of Alexis McAllister and Wataru Endo are problematic for the third midfield role, but not a long-term solution either,” wrote a BBC correspondent for BBC Sport. “Mac Allister is much better in a more advanced position and Endo’s age means he is not the future even at his best.“I have to ask a question. Are Liverpool left with a piece missing from last summer’s puzzle?

“It’s true that everyone had a bad season last season, but will Fabinho’s presence in midfield give Jurgen Klopp’s side the stability and solidity they currently lack?”Brindle continued: “Liverpool can choose to strengthen in January or wait until the summer, but even without a natural fit in the area, the team is getting results.”Klopp and his team will be very sad to know that you have missed out on a player who could be the final piece of the puzzle.”The Merseysiders have brought in Wataru Endo and Alexis McAllister, both of whom have filled the void, and the gamble has paid off so far.

What are the critical areas that need to be addressed urgently? Despite Manchester City struggling for form recently, some wonder how many mistakes Liverpool can find in their place at the top of the table. We agree that this team is still not reaching their full potential as expected after a complete overhaul of the midfield, but credit must be given where it is due.Fabinho, LiverpoolDid Liverpool make a mistake by letting Fabinho leave

The lack of pace in our own ten sometimes meant turnovers in our own half caught us off guard.However, what Mac Allister lacks in recovery speed, he makes up for with his play and ability in the half-circle and his excellent passing. If I can find another no. 6 in their repertoire with speed and defensive instincts, we should definitely pick him.So far I’m happy with the current version.