Liverpool’s defensive depth remains one of the biggest talking points ahead of the new Premier League season.
When you look at the club’s current centre-back options, one thing stands out immediately.
The Reds do not currently have a single established central defender in what would traditionally be considered their peak years.
The current group consists of:
● Virgil van Dijk (35) – Still one of the world’s best defenders, but now in the latter stages of a remarkable career.
● Joe Gomez (29) – An experienced squad member whose availability has been repeatedly disrupted by injuries.
● Jeremy Jacquet (21) – A highly rated young signing who is currently recovering from injury and is yet to make a Premier League appearance.
● Giovanni Leoni (19) – Another exciting young prospect who is also returning from injury and has no Premier League experience.
On paper, that is a defence built on one legendary player, one experienced but injury-hit option, and two teenagers with enormous potential but limited top-flight experience.
Van Dijk Cannot Do It Alone
Virgil van Dijk remains Liverpool’s defensive leader.
His positioning, composure and leadership continue to set the standard.
But expecting him to carry the defence through another demanding Premier League and Champions League campaign at 35 years old would be asking an awful lot.
Liverpool need to be planning not only for this season, but also for life after Van Dijk.
Promise Needs Protection
Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni are exciting additions.
Liverpool clearly believe both can become outstanding defenders.
However, asking players of 21 and 19 to shoulder major responsibility immediately would carry significant risk.
Young centre-backs usually need time to adapt, particularly in the Premier League.
That development is often best achieved alongside experienced teammates rather than under constant pressure to perform every week.
Questions Over Depth
Joe Gomez’s quality has never been in doubt when fully fit, but injuries have repeatedly interrupted his Liverpool career.
That leaves Liverpool in a position where the availability of their back line could quickly become an issue if further injuries occur.
It also explains why the club continue to be linked with experienced defenders such as Fikayo Tomori and others.
Recruitment Still Needed
If Liverpool want to compete on multiple fronts this season, another senior centre-back would provide balance.
An experienced defender in his mid-20s could bridge the gap between Van Dijk and the club’s younger prospects, allowing Jacquet and Leoni to develop without excessive pressure.
That approach would strengthen Liverpool immediately while protecting the long-term future of the defence.
A Delicate Balance
Liverpool have assembled a defensive unit full of potential.
But potential alone rarely wins Premier League titles.
Finding the right balance between youth and experience is one of the biggest challenges facing Andoni Iraola and Liverpool’s recruitment team.
The future may already be at Anfield.
The question is whether Liverpool also need one more proven defender to help the present.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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