Will Liverpool’s Defense Survive the Shake-Up?

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Anfield Index

·12 Mei 2024

Will Liverpool’s Defense Survive the Shake-Up?

Overview of the Team’s Defensive Strategy and Player Assessments

Introduction to Current Defensive Challenges and Strategy Adjustments

After sharing my thoughts on the forthcoming goalkeeping situation and adjustments, now comes the moment to address those that attempt to protect the man between the sticks. It is fair to say that the hybrid initiative and negative off-ball characteristics of that system have left the central defensive group woefully exposed this season. Though cavalier and open brands of football are often tremendous to watch, it rarely makes for a title-winning team. The bedrock of any Championship attaining club is a rearguard built to close out games and protect the offensive assets when they are misfiring. That closing notion transpired in the final leg of this very campaign; however, resolute, and well-organized defending did not materialize, therefore, fundamental changes to the on and off-ball patterns of play will be demanded by the new head coach, Arne Slot. The new man in charge of on-pitch affairs will no doubt be in frequent conversations with the new Sporting CEO, Michael Edwards, as well as his Sporting Director, Richard Hughes. The ingredients to best enhance the next cycle of play will be established by this group before the recruitment team set about finding the undervalued assets best served to come in and enable change.

Central Defensive Group Overview

Virgil van Dijk

Video OneFootball

Age – 32
Height – 6ft 4inch
Contract Expiry – 30th June 2025
Transfermarkt Value – €32m The former Celtic man will be vital to the emergence of Liverpool v2.0. His leadership and dependable nature are key areas that can aid transition and his status as the world’s best central defender remains unaltered.
Verdict – Keep & Extend

Ibrahima Konaté

Age – 24
Height – 6ft 4inch
Contract Expiry – 30th June 2026
Transfermarkt Value – €45m An unsure end to the season is an indication of how overworked he has been, with his right back often playing anywhere but within the defensive line. Ibou is sensational and with moderate protection, he will be once again.
Verdict – Keep & Extend

Football Europa League match – Atalanta BC vs Liverpool FC Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Europa League quarter finals second leg match between Atalanta BC and Liverpool FC on Avril 18, 2024 at Gewiss stadium in Bergamo, Italy. Credit: Tiziano Ballabio Bergamo Italy PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRAxESPxUKxUSAxBELxPOL Copyright: xIPAxSport/ABACAx

Joël Matip

Age – 32
Height – 6ft 5inch
Contract Expiry – 30th June 2024
Transfermarkt Value – €8m It is almost certain that the popular Cameroonian will leave upon the expiry of his current deal, with a raft of Serie A clubs circling to sign a player that was outstanding on his best day. If a contract on reduced terms to be agreed, then I would happily see him retained for one more year, however, that endeavour is very unlikely and it appears that the giant defender has played his last senior game for the club.
Verdict – Release

Photo: IMAGO

Joe Gomez

Age – 26
Height – 6ft 2inch
Contract Expiry – 30th June 2027
Transfermarkt Value – €25m Recent weeks have seen rumours of discontent arise from the camp of the gifted English international, who has enjoyed his strongest season since before his horrific knee injury. The versatility and quality of the player is a draw to the reds as well as multiple suitors, which makes him someone that should be immersed into the next manager’s plans.
Verdict – Hopefully a continuing role as the squad utility player can be engineered.

Photo: IMAGO

Jarell Quansah

Age – 21
Height – 6ft 3inch
Contract Expiry – 30th June 2027
Transfermarkt Value – €12m The future England international has been the breakout star amongst a raft of exciting young talents. With a solid place in the defensive group, his role should only increase and as he builds a solid case for a more prominent role next year.
Verdict – Potentially the long-term Virgil replacement, both on the field and as the defensive leader. Immense potential and someone that will only learn from the elite defenders around him.

Considerations for Future Defensive Line Strategy

The likes of Sepp van den Berg and Luke Chambers were once viable options, though more when the team was looking likely to move to a 3-4-3 system under either Xabi Alonso or Rúben Amorim. Under Arne Slot, the only back three enterprises will likely be undertaken when the team progresses forward to facilitate a forward rushing fullback. Given that that advancing entity is likely to be either Trent Alexander Arnold or Conor Bradley, the facilitation of Joe Gomez or Luke Chambers at left back may become a viable option for the incoming head coach, as strong assets that can cover round instead of galloping forward. Many stories are circulating that have the 6ft 5inch Tosin Adarabioyo as a free transfer

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Steven Smith