For the past few seasons, defense have been a concerned.
There were questions about fullbacks, but with the signing of Alberto Moreno and Nathaniel Clyne, that has been solidified.
Ever since the pairing of Sami Hyypiä and Jamie Carragher, Liverpool have been searching for a pairing in the heart of the defence.
The current options have their flaws and none of the pairings this season have screamed intimidating.
Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho have had the most success, but they don’t seem like the long term solution to this consistent problem.
The locals at the Transfer Tavern know Klopp needs to make a statement when it comes to this position.
He had wonderful centre backs with Neven Subotić and Mats Hummels and supporters are dreaming of a pairing similar to Borussia Dortmund.
Below are FIVE reasons why a new centre-back this month is crucial……..
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE 5 REASONS!
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None of the current centre backs have been consistent enough
Lovren has been a pleasant surprise considering his horrendous play last season.
Sakho played well early on but has dropped off mightily. Martin Škrtel is recovering from a lengthy period on the sidelines.
While Kolo Toure has filled in admirably, none of the current options signal consistency.
Every match, the Kop is worried one of the centre backs will make a massive error to cause a goal.
Klopp needs to find someone that will perform well night in and night out. Without a consistent centre back, the confidence will not be high and more pressure on others (especially Mignolet) will increase.
Toughness is much desired
Our knowledgeable locals at the Tavern noticed the toughness has been gone, arguably for years.
Once known for his intimidating looks and play, Škrtel has struggled to out-muscle forwards this season.
The others in the squad have never been known for getting dirty and making some enemies.
To take this squad from good to great, an injection of physicality in the back is required.
Forwards like Odion Ighalo and Diego Costa don’t mind backing down from a challenge and if Škrtel can’t provide it anymore, someone else will need to.
The Premier League is known for the hard-nosed style of play and with a fresh face who is willing to get dirty, this would be a massive boost for the club.
Communication is severely lacking
Communication is arguably the most important aspect of having a successful backline.
All the defenders need to be on the same page and can cover each other in a moment’s notice.
With Škrtel not able to lend his voice, the backline has not been able to have a clear leader in the back.
When Daniel Agger and Carragher in the side, everyone could hear what was needed to be done and act efficiently.
Klopp can shout instructions from the touchline as much as he wants, but without a centre back with the understanding of what Klopp demands, the defensive issues will continue.
There are players out there that would do well for club. Whether they are affordable or not is behind the point. Showing intent of what type of centre back Klopp wants is vital for the club’s success.
Future centre backs aren’t ready to take the lead
There is no question that Liverpool has a fantastic academy with a plethora of young talents.
However, in today’s football, big clubs don’t have time to wait. Players like Carragher and Stevie G had time to develop into legends. Would these same type of players have the time to grow and move past the mistakes?
Gerrard was tagged to be a phenomenal player growing up through the youth system, but with defense being extremely important to any sort of successful club, managers do not want to take risks at centre backs.
Buying a centre back under 25 that has proven in countries like Germany and Italy would be smart by Klopp.
There is some hunger needed
Liverpool needs someone who is hungry to play and wants to win every ball possible.
That is not to say Liverpool currently doesn’t have any centre backs that crave the ball.
However, with a new centre back, it would push the others around to work their bottoms off.
No player wants to lose their spot to the new guy. Every player wants to play a full 90 minutes week in and week out.
Klopp isn’t afraid to make controversial and edgy decisions.
By bringing in someone permanently that is his own, this would show that Klopp is ready to make Liverpool his own team.
