Hincapie Can Be Liverpool’s New Hybrid
The following names have floated through the Anfield sphere for over a year now, as the Merseyside giants have continually looked to create an altered defensive structure, one that can responsibly release the playmaking talents of the club vice-captain, Trent Alexander Arnold.
- Levi Colwill
- Piero Hincapié
- Willian Pacho
- Gonçalo Inácio
- Castello Lukeba
- Alessandro Bastoni
The premise has been built to see the reds superstar right back pushed into the midfield area, when on-ball dominance is apparent in certain encounters. Unfortunately, this initiative was carried through before a more aggressive and defensively minded left back was recruited (last season), thereby overloading whichever centre back partnership was playing on the day. That cavalier endeavour certainly made for some entertaining games; however, the uncoordinated attacking style was always likely to implode.
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The failure to land either Levi Colwill or Piero Hincapié last summer came back to haunt the 2023/24 title challenging reds. as the season progressed, early goals were conceded and opposition counterattacks saw the European heavyweights fall short in their ultimate ambitions, as the open nature of Jürgen Klopp’s tactics often left a back two defensive shape without a specialist defensive midfielder in place. My hope is that that holding destroyer will be sought and acquired before the close of this summer’s window of change, whereas the need for a left sided defender is almost as urgent.
Why Is New Left Sided Defender Essential?
To deliver a structure that both aids the attack as well as protect Alisson Becker, the right sided hybrid initiative of 2023/24 should evolve into a left sided one for the 2024/25 assault. At Manchester City, I have long admired the performances of Nathan Aké, who has excelled as the left sided defensive piece.
As a hybrid that allows his starting left back status to adapt and form a back three (off-ball), it offered coverage and assurance when one of the back four stepped out. This more defensively oriented option was desired last season (by Liverpool), which is probably why Joe Gomez was the reds best left back in the previous campaign.
Though I have deep admiration for the Anfield career of the legendary Scot, Andy Robertson, his orthodox style is simply not suited to an Arne Slot enterprise. The desire (by Robertson) to burst forward and deliver crosses into the box was the rock n roll ingredient greatly appreciated for several years.
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What has emerged is the all-too-common low block tactic which has been utilised by so many opponents, meaning that the game state has adjusted and a more measured and incisive approach is therefore being designed. The requirement to cover all zones requires a hybrid left back, who can aid the team when defending lung busting breaks against the overworked Liverpool back line.
Is Piero Hincapié The Answer?
The signing of the Bayer Leverkusen star would be a sensational capture. At just 22-years of age, the 6ft 1inch defender is a ferocious defender that can play either in central defence or at left back. As an elite level defender with good on ball qualities, he would offer a reassurance and physicality away from that which the Scotland international, Robbo, currently brings.
I am sceptical as to whether the 37-cap Ecuadorian is the absolute target, though the fact his name has become prominent again this week is a good sign. The next ten days are vital to how the new Liverpool Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, is perceived by an expectant and frustrated support. The first team needs two starting calibre signings and if the Independiente del Valle academy graduate, Piero Hincapié, is unveiled as the new hybrid left back, that would represent an exceptional upgrade.
The wait continues.
