If you told a Liverpool fan that they’d see Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams turn out in the Premier League on a regular basis they would’ve quite literally laughed at you. When Liverpool lifted that elusive title last summer, Rhys Williams had just finished up his loan at Kidderminster Harriers of non-league and Phillips was preparing for his departure from the club.
But, due to the well-documented injury to Virgil van Dijk and then the subsequent injury of his partner in crime Joe Gomez, Liverpool were left with one senior centre-back in Joel Matip, as well as the versatile Fabinho. To be fair to Phillips and Williams, they’ve done well when they’ve played, but we are talking about the champions and to rely on a 19-year old and an inexperienced Phillips to guide you to your defence is not the way to try and retain a title.
Liverpool Centre-Back Situation
Club Strategy
We are aware of the strategy the club takes in regard to transfers is one of long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes. It’s a strategy that deserves its praise because it has brought the club success and, by the looks of it, the centre-back situation is no exception.
According to Christian Falk, the club are keen on RB Leipzig duo Ibrahima Konaté and Dayot Upamecano. But, the club are in a crisis and should be exploring loan options to give them a chance in the upcoming months of obtaining accolades.
A Short-Term Fix
There have been certain players mentioned in terms of January switch to Merseyside. Sven Botman was a rumoured target that was later dismissed by local journalists. In recent day its believed that Éder Militao of Real Madrid is available on loan with an option to buy.
It’s yet to be confirmed or denied that Liverpool have a concrete interest. The 22-year-old Brazilian played against the Reds in the Champions League and impressed many with his aerial prowess and calmness on the ball. He would later make a switch to ‘Los Blancos’ in the summer of 2019 for a fee in the region of €50 million.
Solution Needed
If Liverpool want this season to be memorable and decorated with honours, they need to act before the deadline at the end of the month. They can’t rely on an injury-prone Joel Matip or playing two central midfielders at the back like they’ve done against Southampton and now Manchester United.
It’s bad enough losing Fabinho or ‘Flaco’, as he’s been christened by teammates in midfield, but to lose Jordan Henderson by playing him there too is a big hit to Liverpool’s midfield.
A centre-back is vital in this window.
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