A sour taste may be left in the mouth of Reds fans after the proposed deal for Nabil Fekir fell through despite what has been the best transfer window in recent history at Anfield. However, with four outstanding additions bolstering Jurgen Klopp’s side to compete on all fronts, it appears that Michael Edwards and co are not quite done yet in their grand plan to take Liverpool to the top.
Attention now moves to the winter window and beyond for the renowned Liverpool transfer committee, where another attempt to sign Fekir – or an alternative – and fill other holes in the squad may be espoused.
Alisson Becker’s signing from Roma may solve a number of problems defensively, but the club remains one Virgil Van Dijk injury away from having to field a distinctly average centre-half pairing.
Further issues could arise given Joe Gomez’s injury problems and Dejan Lovren’s propensity for errors leading to goals– although he has been largely brilliant when paired with Van Dijk (the recent news about the confusion over his fitness aside). Below, we look to 5 central defenders who could be brought through the Shankly gates in the near future.
Benjamin Pavard
Market Value: 40,000,000 Euros
It could be argued that no player stock has risen further than Benjamin Pavard at the World cup, with the chef-d’oeuvre that was his strike against Argentina, later voted as the goal of the tournament. All of this whilst being played out of his preferred position. Such is the versatility of the curly-haired Frenchman, Bayern Munich were rumoured to be sniffing around for his signature, as they do on a yearly basis in the Bundesliga.
The Stuttgart stopper made 34 appearances at the heart of the defence in 17/18 season recording a combined 3.7 tackles and interceptions p90, leading Die Schwaben to a 7th place finish in their first season back in the top flight. Blessed with pace and composure, Pavard excels in isolation situations at pace, challenges he could be asked to face if opposing teams break the gegenpress. Still, only 22 Pavard could be a key addition to Liverpool’s defence for years to come.
Miranda
Market Value: 8,000,000 Euros
The oldest member on this list, Miranda’s travels through Spain and Italy culminated in him captaining his side in Brazil’s World cup quarterfinal loss to Belgium. The Inter Milan man would bring a wealth of experience to the dressing room and provide some much-needed depth, with the reds competing on four fronts this season.
After Stephen de Vrij’s arrival to partner Milan Skriniar, Miranda is expected to take a backseat at the Giuseppe Miazza, giving rise to his possible departure in January or beyond. The former Atletico Madrid man’s ability to organise the defence and his influence on Joe Gomez, in particular, could prove vital as the Englishman progresses to become Virgil Van Dijk’s long-term partner.
Matthijs de Ligt
Market Value: 40,000,000 Euros
Conversely to Pavard, de Ligt was not given the opportunity to make a splash over the summer due to the Netherlands’ inability to qualify for the World Cup. Nevertheless, the Leiderdorp native has been one of the most talented products to come out of Ajax’s famed youth academy having cemented his spot in the first team last season making 33 appearances in the league.
A silky passer of the ball who can also carry it forward, de Ligt turned heads in the Eredivisie with his ability to win the ball and retain possession. His experience playing with Georgino Wijnaldum and Virgil Van Dijk for the Dutch national side should see him settle in quickly at Anfield, supplementing the young core of the defence.
Manuel Akanji
Market Value: 28,000,000 Euros
Prising Akanji away from Dortmund may be a tricky task as he was only signed in January from Basel, however, if anyone can make it happen it’s the former Westfalonstadion custodian. After Sokratis Papastathopoulos’ move to Arsenal, the Swiss will become the main man in defence in front of the yellow wall, showing the faith Lucien Favre has in the 23-year-old.
An unfortunate deflection off an Emil Forsberg shot, leading to Switzerland’s exit at the World Cup, will live in the memory of fans in the aftermath. However, Akanji was largely excellent throughout the tournament averaging a combined 4 tackles and interceptions p90 and an 89% pass accuracy.
Stefan Savic
Market Value: 40,000,000 Euros
Coming off a successful Europa League campaign with Atletico Madrid last season, Savic fits into the ‘win now’ bracket of new signings. Much like Miranda, the Montenegrin may find first team opportunities hard to come by with the unshakable partnership of Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez at the Wanda Metropolitana, who were also outstanding for Uruguay at the World Cup.
Having spent a season at Manchester City, albeit with limited minutes, Savic is no stranger to the English game. His transition from Atletico’s low block to the ‘heavy metal’ football seen at Anfield may have some teething problems at first, however, the former Fiorentina man has plenty of experience of such methods having played under Vincenzo Montella.
All market values taken from transfermarkt.com and all statistics from whoscored.com
Isnt Pavard a right back?
I would go for de ligt or skriniar of inter milan.
Majority of Pavard’s minutes came at centre half last season. I had him in first because of his versatility.
Highly unlikely Inter let Skriniar leave seeing as theyre looking to cement their spot in the champions league and eventually push Juventus for the Scudetto (would absolutely love if he we gotnhim through the door though)