Prior to the start of this season, Liverpool fans felt they may be slightly short in one area of the pitch.
With the midfield more or less sorted – minus a recognised No.6 – the defence was the place most supporters were a little worried about.
During the summer, it had appeared that Liverpool might address this. Links with Goncalo Inacio were especially hot, while Levi Colwill joining from Chelsea looked to be a possibility at one stage, too. Neither happened.
Instead, Jurgen Klopp held what he had. And so far, that has proven to be inspired. Joel Matip has been completely rejuvenated, showing why he’s one of the finest Liverpool defenders of the Premier League era. Meanwhile, Jarell Quansah’s emergence has surprised even the manager himself.
But now, things have taken a turn for the worse. Matip being cut down this weekend with what looks like a long-term injury was as cruel as it was predictable.
With the Cameroonian set to miss a fair chunk of action, Liverpool are back to having four centre-back options. The options themselves are good, but one has played 10 senior games while another is the current back-up at right and left-back, too. Another is needed.
Liverpool look for January solution
For most fans, the solution to this problem is simple. January is coming up and we know what that means: transfers.
Having kept their powder dry all summer long, the New Year would now feel like the perfect time to reinforce the defence. Targets will certainly have been assessed over the season so far and Liverpool should have a good idea of what’s out there.
With over three weeks still to go, they have time to get things in order following Matip’s injury. There’s no excuse not to bring someone in, right?
Well, sorry for being the party-poopers, but we rather think the excuse may be the same one it always is with Liverpool during the transfer windows: money. Not enough of it.
To get a player out of a club in January famously comes with a premium. As a result of Matip’s injury, clubs may also expect Liverpool to come after their centre-backs, adding another few million to respective asking-prices.
So, as tempting as it may be to chuck money at a new defender, we think the Reds will go with option number two here.
Again, some aren’t going to like this, but we think the circumstances leave Liverpool with little choice but to recall Nat Phillips from his loan spell at Celtic. The Reds know what they’re getting with Phillips. He’s a solid fifth-choice and can step in should another injury arise.
Furthermore, the 26-year-old – who Klopp once deemed to be ‘incredible’ [Sky Sports] – has only played six times for the Scottish champions this season. A promising loan spell under Brendan Rodgers has turned into a bit of a nightmare. Liverpool should bring him on home and keep him around. Next summer, that’s the time to truly go big and replace Matip. It just makes sense.
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