Brendan Rodgers is looking for defensive reinforcements this summer…
SEE ALSO: The Best Liverpool goals.
Where are Liverpool’s defensive reinforcements? Much has been made of the costly 50 Premier League goals the Reds conceded last season, but little seems to be being done about it.
So far this summer, Liverpool have signed striker Rickie Lambert from Southampton and midfielder Emre Can from Bayer Leverkusen. They are also believed to be closing in on two more attacking-minded players: Adam Lallana and Divock Origi. If Luis Suarez does move on, the Reds are likely to turn their attention to the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Lazar Markovic and Alexis Sanchez.
While that list of signings and targets makes for extremely exciting reading for the Anfield faithful, it’s worth remembering that Liverpool had little trouble scoring goals last season, even during the first-part of the season when Suarez was suspended. Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Phillipe Coutinho all provide wonderful attacking options, and manager Brendan Rodgers looks well-set to add to that group before the start of the new season.
But with a failed bid for Sevilla full-back Alberto Moreno and a declining interest in Arsenal-bound Dejan Lovren the only defensive deals in the transfer pipeline, should the Reds be doing more to strengthen their back line? Here are five centre backs that could do just that:
5) Mehdi Benatia (Roma)
This 27-year-old Moroccan international joined Roma from Udiense last summer, and impressed in his side’s impressive campaign, which saw them finish second behind Juventus in Serie A. The French-born defender scored five goals in 33 league appearances last season. Known for his strong levels of concentration which lead to a high number of interceptions, he could be an excellent addition to the Liverpool defence.
4) Toby Alderweireld (Atletico Madrid)
This 25-year-old, who can also play at right-back, is currently on World Cup duty with Belgium. Liverpool were believed to be interested in the player during his time with former club Ajax, but the defender elected to join Spanish champions Atletico Madrid last summer. However, he made just 12 La Liga appearances for Madrid last season, and is believed to be available again. His habit of playing long balls out of defence could detract interest from Rodgers, who prefers his defenders to play the ball out from the back.
3) Kyriakos Papadopoulos (Schalke)
This 22-year-old Greek defender has enjoyed the long-term admiration of Liverpool, amongst a number of top European clubs. Unfortunately, his development has been restricted by injuries in recent years, with just 14 Bundesliga appearances to his name in the last two seasons. An excellent tackler and strong in the air, if he can return to his form of two years ago he could be a bargain buy for a number of top clubs.
2) Mateo Musacchio (Villareal)
This 23-year-old Argentine international has been in impressive form since forcing his way into the Villareal starting line-up in 2010, helping lead the team back into La Liga at the first attempt. He made his international debut in May 2011 at the age of 20, although he failed to make the squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. A ball player defender who likes to play short passes, he is only let down by his aerial ability, which has seen him found out on several occasions.
1) Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon)
This 24-year-old did make the Argentina World Cup squad and would offer Rodgers another option as an equally adept left back. After a difficult season with Spartak Moscow in 2011-12, a move to Sporting Lisbon brought about the best of the youngster, who quickly established himself as one of his country’s most promising young defenders.
