It’s become clear that Liverpool’s centre-back situation is far from ideal.
The Reds are currently one injury away from a real problem, and their recruitment efforts at the back need to match the ambition they have shown further up the pitch.
Liverpool are planning Marc Guehi for the summer, but even if they do secure his services, they’re still one quality option short.
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Marc Guehi is now being targeted by Man City in January
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That’s why Arne Slot should be asking for not one, but two big signings at the back.
Liverpool’s centre-back depth is worrying
When you look at the current squad, you have Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as the starting options, with Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni behind them.
Gomez struggled against Barnsley and despite his popularity among Liverpool fans, he needs to move on at some point.
That will leave just three options at the heart of defence, one of whom is a 19-year-old still unproven at the highest level.
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Micky van de Ven is fed up at Spurs, and looks like being the next high-profile centre-back to make a move. We have already identified him as someone who would be perfect for Liverpool, but not as a Guehi alternative. Liverpool need both.
Micky van de Ven in action for Tottenham Hotspur during their UEFA Champions League match against Slavia Prague at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
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That’s even before factoring in Konate’s uncertain Liverpool future. David Ornstein revealed in The Athletic on Tuesday: “Liverpool seem to be among those keeping their powder dry for the next market, when Ibrahima Konate is on track to exit due to his contract expiring. There has been no breakthrough on new terms.”
If he goes, the need grows. But even if he stays…
Liverpool have to think like Arsenal and Man City
If you think having four top centre-backs in the squad is too much, it might help to look further up the table.
Arsenal’s world-class pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba is backed up by two more top centre-halves in Piero Hincapie and Cristian Mosquera, with Ben White, Ricardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber also capable of providing cover.
At Man City, they’re in a centre-back crisis but when healthy, they have six capable central defenders to call upon.
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When you’re fighting on four fronts, depth is crucial. Liverpool’s defensive numbers pale in comparison, and it means a crisis is never far away.
Like they did in attack last summer, they need to now splash the cash at the back.
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