Liverpool’s pre-season has so far been marked by one thing; a propensity to concede goals, and lots of them. What may have first begun as little more than a training exercise is now beginning to take on a more worrying aspect as the dawn of a new Premier League season looms less than two weeks away. Which brings my to the point – have the Liverpool hierarchy missed a trick in recruiting a new centre half this summer?
It’s clear that certain positions required priority with concerns to the club’s transfer policy going into the summer. A winger and a creative midfielder appeared to be right at the top of the pile and in Stewart Downing and Charlie Adam they appear to have purchased wisely. Jordan Henderson has arrived for a large fee based on his future potential and Brazilian goalkeeper Doni has come in to add competition to the ranks.
However, there have been no reinforcements in defence despite the club having little strength in depth and too man square pegs in round holes. A new left back is still required, despite the progress of Jack Robinson, return of Emilano Insua and good form of recognised right back Glen Johnson in that role towards the end of last season.
The position that has gone rather unnoticed in terms of recruitment has been at centre half with side crying out for some fresh blood.
Jamie Carragher is another year older this season and at 33 years of age, he cannot be factored into the club’s long-term planning too much. Not to mention the fact that the whole defence has to play a deeper line to compensate for the vice-captain’s famed lack of pace.
Martin Skrtel can either be exceptional or ridiculous in equal measure. His ability to attack the ball in the air is both a gift and a curse as it means he can either dominate his opposing number of frequently get caught out of position under a high ball. He remains the quickest centre half on option and when in form, he’s one of the best in the top flight, but he needs constant attention and only appears to play at his best when partnered with a calming, steadying influence such as Carragher.
Daniel Agger is a fans favourite. His ability to pick a pass and bring the ball out of defence often draws admiring glances from neutrals. I may be alone in thinking this, but I’ve never found Agger to be the best of defenders. He doesn’t thrive on it. He’s simply not a natural defender and while he may be pleasing on the eye to the puritan, he simply makes far too many mistakes to be a nailed on starter.
I’d say get Cahill if we have the funds.
Good player and I’m sure some of our rivals would be jealous if we manage to get him in.
Its also. Clear to see we played without a recognised defensive midfielder in lucas in all of those games………
Whilst we are blessed with Right Backs, we need at least a Right Centre Back, a Left Centre Back and, as ever, at least one Left Back. Virtually a totally new defensive lineup. I would love to see us get Cahill or Dann, Sackho and Baines, but whoever KK has in his sights, at least bring in three new defenders FAST!
sign 3 defenders? with a left defender who can play in central defense in some occasions, we are more than utensils, you forget that we have players with great talent (Wilson and Kelly can take the place of central defender) just have to sign a player like Erik Pieters, who can play both the left and the center of the defense, (Sakho and Lovren, are also options)