One Half Done, One Half still to go for the Reds this Summer

During this summer’s pre-season period, Liverpool’s defensive frailties have come to the fore. Without being disrespectful, conceding three goals per match, against the likes of Guangdong, Hull City, a Malaysian Eleven and Valerenga hardly inspired confidence, and whilst these have to be taken in the context of ‘fitness building’ and ‘team bonding’ matches, they still drew a slight cause for concern.

I am far from jumping on any bandwagon here, in panicking over Liverpool’s friendly defeats, which so many seem keen to do. As I say, these games have to be taken into context. However, I had my concerns – as did many other Liverpool fans – prior to this summer’s off-season, and thought it near essential for the club, needing to bring in defensive signings.

Many have been surprised by the well documented amount of central-midfielders the club has pursued (and signed), with most thinking that wide-men, attack-minded players, and possibly a striker, should be the priority. Most overlooked however, was the defence – until the majority of the pre-season games had passed.

It has been no secret that Liverpool have been without an established left-back since John-Arne Riise left in 2008. Roy Hodgson’s attempt to remedy that particular situation is best left alone. However the vast improvements under Kenny Dalglish’s return saw many people forgetting the actual need – with Glen Johnson performing steadily on the opposite side of the pitch he is used to, and the rise of young Jack Robinson who gave performances which belied his youth. Robinson still needs to develop at a steady pace however, so the need for an experienced left-back is essential – no more square pegs in round holes, as Johnson was. In fairness, the club has been strongly linked with Newcastle Twitter man Jose Enrique, who may well become Liverpool’s new number 3 – but it is not just left-back that needs addressing.

On the face of it, it may seem ridiculous to suggest Liverpool are in dire need of another centre-back. I reiterate, this is an observation noted long before the pre-season results. In fact, it was probably noted around the time Sami Hyypia had moved on, Daniel Agger had suffered the 873rd injury of his Liverpool career, whilst Martin Skrtel was desperately trying to play catch-up to his Danish colleague’s injury record, with total time spent on the treatment table. I maybe being a little dramatic but the fact remains – Liverpool have two centre-backs who are severely injury-prone.

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