There's no doubting that Liverpool have made some progress this season.

The Reds have been sensational in the Champions League, with a final against Real Madrid to come on May 26 and have also impressed at times in the Premier League.

Liverpool's place in the top four is in their own hands on the last day, with a draw or better earning them a place above Antonio Conte's Chelsea.

Nevertheless, it should not have been this hard.

With the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane tearing teams to pieces, Champions League qualification should have been secured weeks ago.

However, Jurgen Klopp's side have let defensive mistakes and a lack of squad depth impact their domestic form, with Liverpool now without a Premier League win in three attempts.

And former Reds forward Stan Collymore has made a great point about Liverpool's front three next season, highlighting that things may not necessarily improve.

Collymore wrote for the Mirror: "And what if this campaign is as good as it gets from Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane?

"What if they drop off even five per cent in 2018-19 and Liverpool’s ­defence stays the same?

"That gap between them and City could be even bigger.

"That’s why it’s important Klopp buys a goalkeeper, a central defender and a defensive midfielder.

"And even if Liverpool do win the Champions League it should not mask the fact that there’s still plenty of work to be done at Anfield."

It's a very interesting point, further highlighting that Liverpool must make act quickly in the transfer market.

Naby Keita is on his way and Collymore says the club need to also improve in other positions.

He wrote: "If you are looking at a title-winning team over 38 games there are still question marks and three positions which need addressing ­before Liverpool can be considered serious contenders.

"Firstly, they need a keeper in David de Gea’s class and I’m not sure Loris Karius is even half the stopper the Spaniard is.

"And in central ­defence, Van Dijk needs another Van Dijk alongside him, a Toby Alderweireld or a Jan Vertonghen, someone who is steady and composed.

"Dejan Lovren did come good at times this season – there’s no doubt about that – but he was not ­consistently good enough over the whole campaign.

"Then you have the midfield, where James Milner is not ­getting any ­younger, and I’m still not convinced that Jordan ­Henderson is a good enough, or aware enough, to be a part of ­Liverpool’s spine."