Our Liverpool fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping for a summer clear out of some deadwood at Anfield. Indeed, while many of them have been delighted with some of the attacking play on show, life amongst the Reds’ defence has been difficult.
This season has seen Liverpool go from potential title challengers to fighting for a Europa League berth, sometimes in a matter of days. Jurgen Klopp’s attack is outstanding and has carried the can for the majority of the campaign, though the defence has severely let them down and you never quite know what you’re getting.
Much of that is owing to the fact that Klopp simply hasn’t decided on a permanent No.1 between the sticks, often flitting between Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius. Oh, how our local Liverpudlians miss Pepe Reina.
However, in recent weeks, it seems that Karius is to be preferred, especially for the big games which could move Mignolet’s nose out of joint. If Mignolet is to leave in the summer, there is a little list our regulars are drawing up for players to follow him.
Our landlord runs through this small list in a little more depth…
Joel Matip
The centre-back is vying for one of two places at the back of the defence and, with the arrival of Virgil Van Dijk, it’s further making the spot harder to come by. It’s a straight shootout between Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren to partner the Dutchman, and currently, Lovren is winning.
With the experience of Ragnar Klavan as a backup squad member, the Cameroonian may be forced to leave in search of regular first-team football many in the back room of the pub feel.
Gini Wijnaldum
If the Dutchman was to leave it would be a huge surprise to many in the Tavern, but the maths in midfield don’t add up. There are six players currently playing for two starting spots, and with the arrival of Naby Keita in the summer that number is set to increase.
Winjnaldum could be reduced to a backup squad member, which would not go down well and his search for regular football may lead him to move on. A talented and useful player for sure, though perhaps one of the most expendable in the squad.
