Signings Liverpool should have made before the transfer window slammed shut

Liverpool's squad was crying out for two players as the transfer window slammed shut: a central defender and a creative midfielder.

1) Liverpool were successful in acquiring a defender before the transfer window closed. With Sami Hyypia leaving the club in the summer, Liverpool were left with three experienced defenders - Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger. While another defender would have been ideal, this was not a big concern until Agger and Skrtel picked up injuries, and Carragher picked up a slight knock at the beginning of the season. Ayala seemed a little nervous when called upon against Stoke. That, however, is natural for a youngster stepping up to the first team. He would have calmed down after a couple of games. Having said that, it was safer to buy an experienced centrehalf and Rafa addressed that. However, there could have been a better option. Liverpool perhaps should have signed Sol Campbell on a free transfer for half a season or one full season. Instead of spending two million on a player untested in England, Benitez could have signed someone who used to be one of the league's top defenders. He would not be required often, and would certainly provide a good option whenever required. If given the chance to play for one of Europe's best clubs, he may well have postponed his decision to join Sven's Notts County for half or one year. This seemed to be the better option in monetary terms and in terms of experience.

2) Liverpool should have purchased a creative midfielder as well. Unfortunately, they failed to do this. With Alonso gone and Aquilani still injured, it was clear that Liverpool lacked creativity in midfield. One option was Rafael van der Vaart. He was deemed surplus at Real Madrid, and was linked to other clubs for under 10 million pounds. For someone as good as him, even 10 million is a bargain. It was reported that Liverpool lacked the transfer funds, but that seems strange given that Liverpool's net spending was negligible this summer. He could have been a valuable addition to the squad. However, if that was too much to spend, Liverpool could have moved for Niko Kranjcar. Tottenham purchased him for about 2.5-3 million pounds just before the window slammed close. For a player like him, this is a bargain. Liverpool could have done with another creative option behind their forward.