Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez admits Robbie Fowler still has some way to go to win a contract.
Fowler, 31, wants an extended contract having returned to Merseyside in January on a six-month deal. Yet boss Rafa Benitez is still to make a decision over the former England striker's future.
The Spaniard said: "Robbie is top class, no doubt about it. But you also need pace and stamina levels if you want to win trophies.
"We are really happy with him because he is working so hard. But we have to know exactly how many top-class players we need - and if he could be the top-class one we are looking for.
"There is no doubting his quality, that is for sure. But we also have to look at what his performances will be next season as well. Maybe you can find fantastic players of, say, 23 years old who also have fantastic pace and quality.
"It's not that we don't believe in him but this is a big club and we need to look at different players as well.
"If you have different options, we have to make a decision. It's really important to have players of the passion he has so it is all in the balance.
"We need to put all those things together and weigh them up before we decide.
"Robbie knows he needs to improve some things because he wasn't playing for some time and this is another level again. This is Liverpool Football Club and we are trying to win every game.
"We know he has the quality and passion. Now we need to be sure of those other things as well. He understands that and knows the situation.
"As soon as I can I'll talk with him. It's better for him not to talk at the moment because it is important for him to stay focused."
Fowler, 31, wants an extended contract having returned to Merseyside in January on a six-month deal. Yet boss Rafa Benitez is still to make a decision over the former England striker's future.
The Spaniard said: "Robbie is top class, no doubt about it. But you also need pace and stamina levels if you want to win trophies.
"We are really happy with him because he is working so hard. But we have to know exactly how many top-class players we need - and if he could be the top-class one we are looking for.
"There is no doubting his quality, that is for sure. But we also have to look at what his performances will be next season as well. Maybe you can find fantastic players of, say, 23 years old who also have fantastic pace and quality.
"It's not that we don't believe in him but this is a big club and we need to look at different players as well.
"If you have different options, we have to make a decision. It's really important to have players of the passion he has so it is all in the balance.
"We need to put all those things together and weigh them up before we decide.
"Robbie knows he needs to improve some things because he wasn't playing for some time and this is another level again. This is Liverpool Football Club and we are trying to win every game.
"We know he has the quality and passion. Now we need to be sure of those other things as well. He understands that and knows the situation.
"As soon as I can I'll talk with him. It's better for him not to talk at the moment because it is important for him to stay focused."
