Brendan Rodgers admits Liverpool have had to rely too heavily on their younger players this season and hopes to bring more experienced names to Anfield when the January transfer window opens.
The Liverpool manager claims potential signings are more likely to be brought in next summer but expects additions to be made this winter. Daniel Sturridge will complete his move from Chelsea on the first day of the window while Blackpool's Tom Ince is set for a return to his former club.
Rodgers denied claims that Liverpool are in talks to sign the Birmingham City and England goalkeeper, Jack Butland, and is instead focused on signing more established players.
"If you look at the top end of our pitch, Luis Suárez has been surrounded by up-and-coming young players," he said. "Those positions are the positions that make the difference. I'm all for young players, I want to develop young players, but I also know as a manager that there needs to be the right mix.
"I've got terrific players, I've got boys that want to come in and work every day, but it's got to be consistent. We've got young players that I'm not sure would get the opportunity at any other team in the Premier League. We've had to play them at one of the biggest clubs in the world. That will benefit us going forward."
Suárez will start for Liverpool at Queens Park Rangers on Sunday as Rodgers's side look to bounce back from the disappointing 3-1 defeat at Stoke City on Boxing Day. Last season, Liverpool were leading 2-0 at Loftus Road with 18 minutes remaining but QPR fought back for a 3-2 victory that proved the catalyst for their successful bid to avoid relegation.
Rodgers took his players to task for their display at Stoke and the Liverpool manager believes experienced players will benefit youngsters such as Jonjo Shelvey, Raheem Sterling and Suso, and also help the team produce more consistent performances.
"The table doesn't lie. We're in 10th position, we've shown against many of the top teams that we've got the game to compete but you have to be efficient and consistent," said Rodgers.
"We won't be able to do everything in January that would help us, but we'll be able to make some additions that will help the group. Hopefully in the summer we'll go again."
Rodgers admitted the transition at Liverpool will take time due to the players signed for significant sums by the previous regime. He said: "It's not easily solved, it's not like other sports where you can just tell someone that's it, and show them the door and move on. This is a club that has paid big money. It takes that bit of time unfortunately."
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