Liverpool are facing a crisis at centre-back following a succession of injuries to key players in recent weeks.

The Reds have finally built a formidable defence with Alisson Becker slotting in seamlessly since arriving from Roma in the summer. Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez formed a wonderful partnership at centre-back before the Englishman limped off with an injury against Burnley. Joel Matip performed admirably in his absence before also facing a spell on the side-lines after picking up a problem in training.

Injuries left Dejan Lovren as the only recognised defender at the club but the Croatia international also picked up a problem during the recent FA Cup defeat against Wolves – forcing Jurgen Klopp to hand 16-year-old Ki-Jana However his first-team debut. Liverpool’s lack of options at the back could prove to be costly in the long-term and Klopp should seek reinforcements now the transfer window is open.

The ideal signing would be Zenit St Petersburg defender – Emanuel Mammana. Valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, the Argentina international has been a mainstay in the Zenit defence since joining from Lyon in the summer of 2017. Reports from Sport Review via the Express suggested Liverpool were interested in luring him to Anfield but the defender instead opted to move to Russia – now it’s time for Klopp to give Mammana the chance to compete in the Premier League.

The 22-year-old is blessed with terrific pace for a defender, allowing him to keep up with the league’s quickest forwards. Mammana is excellent on the ball making him perfect for Liverpool’s defence – his ability also allows him to cover at right-back if necessary which could be crucial for the Reds after Nathaniel Clyne’s departure. The defender is still developing and improving – working with van Dijk could be wonderful for his development.

If Klopp could lure him to Merseyside, this move would be a masterstroke.

Liverpool fans, thoughts?