Liverpool’s age old defensive woes have continued to haunt them so far this season and the Reds are already coming under pressure from pundits and fans to put things right defensively.
Manager Jurgen Klopp will know privately that there is an issue, but to the public eye, he can point to qualification for the Champions League and a decent start to the Premier League season to back his playing style up.
However, our Liverpool fans here in the Tavern would most certainly like to see someone brought in before the end of next week, and there has been plenty of chat between them and our landlord this week.
One player our landlord thinks could shine for the Reds is current Southampton defender Jack Stephens.
The 23-year-old has made an excellent start to life at St Mary’s this term, looking assured and confident in his displays. While it has been fellow Saints defender Virgin Van Dijk who Liverpool have been chasing, they could be wise to turn to Stephens.
A defender built on sound old school principles but adaptable to the modern game, Stephens looks every bit like being able to become a top Premier League defender over the next decade.
Liverpool have a long affiliation with signing players from the Saints, with the likes of Nathaniel Clyne and Sadio Mane among the names to move to Anfield. Stephens could well be next in line if his form continues, with Liverpool getting a quality centre half for years to come.
