Liverpool have now received the green light to make their move for a defensive reinforcement in the January transfer window, according to reports.
Slot: Teams "think they can get a result" against Liverpool
It wasn't a disaster at Anfield as Liverpool came from behind to rescue a draw against Sunderland, but it was hardly an inspiring performance from the Premier League champions yet again.
Despite breaking their transfer record to sign Alexander Isak in the summer, the Swede was back to his subdued ways just days after netting his first Premier League goal for the club against West Ham United. And whilst Florian Wirtz at least played a part in the equaliser and looked bright throughout, Liverpool's attack was a far cry from their scintillating best of past campaigns.
What should concern Arne Slot the most is his own admission that teams now believe they can "get a result" against his Liverpool side. That should never be the case at the home of the champions, but the Dutchman also denied that Anfield's fear factor has evaporated this season.
He told reporters: "No, not Anfield. For sure. But it's clear that teams that play us now think they can get a result. Not only think, because that has been shown this season.
"And even in the games we've won, they also fuelled the confidence for other teams like, 'Hmm, something is possible' because the wins we had at the beginning of the season weren't easy ones as well."
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The only positive for Slot to take from the Sunderland game is that his side, whilst found wanting in attack, were harder to break down defensively. With fixtures coming thick and fast, that defensive foundation will be important but so will any depth that Liverpool add in that area in January, especially if they sign Joel Ordonez.
Liverpool receive green light to make Ordonez move
As reported by TeamTalk, Liverpool have received a green light to make their move for Ordonez after maintaining contact with the defender's camp. Racing alongside Tottenham Hotspur in pursuit of the Club Brugge defender, the Reds could land an ideal alternative for Marc Guehi.
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Arne Slot has a huge call to make about one player after his showing for Liverpool last night.
Despite reportedly reopening talks to sign the Crystal Palace man, Liverpool may be forced to wait until next summer when his contract expires to secure his signature. If that does prove to be the case, then those at Anfield should turn to Ordonez.
Although Como scout Ben Mattinson aired caution around Ordonez's "aggressive" nature last year, it's the exact trait that Liverpool have been lacking this season. The Reds have been physically outmatched and the arrival of the 21-year-old would go a long way towards solving that problem.
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