Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed that it was a huge blow for his side to miss out on the signing of Alexis Sanchez.

Both the Reds and Arsenal were interested in his signature from Barcelona in the summer, but the Chile international opted to move to the Gunners in a £32m deal.

Rodgers has conceded that Sanchez's decision was especially disappointing when Daniel Sturridge sustained an injury in August.

"Not to get him was obviously bitterly disappointing, because he was identified for us as someone who would have been a key signing and really just a roll-on to what we had with Luis Suarez," Rodgers told reporters.

"If you look at how I ask the teams to play, it is critical. Not just with the ball but the intensity with the pressing.

"When Daniel Sturridge was injured in August, I think everyone who knows football should hopefully be able to see that our game has become much deeper because of personnel."

Sanchez has scored 14 goals in 24 appearances in all competitions this season for Arsenal.