Makeshift defence highlights Liverpool’s need for urgent reinforcements | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Pre-Season Backline Reflects Deeper Structural Questions

Improvisation meets reality

Liverpool’s centre-back situation, once a source of reliability, now feels more like a sketch. “What both of today’s team sheets tell us, if we didn’t already know, is that centre half is an area where Liverpool are looking a bit thin,” said Sky Sports’ Vinny O’Connor.

Photo IMAGO

This was no subtle hint. With Virgil van Dijk ill, Joe Gomez unavailable and Jarell Quansah sold, the reshuffle bordered on satire. Andy Robertson, repurposed at centre-back in the first match.

Photo: IMAGO

Wataru Endo, the holding midfielder, drafted in next to Ibrahima Konaté for the second.

Photo: IMAGO

Contract countdown begins

Konaté, for all his quality, is now within the final year of his deal. “Also worth remembering that Konate is now into the final year of his contract,” O’Connor added. The silence around a renewal feels more pressing with each passing fixture.

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Liverpool supporters have seen this film before. Makeshift back lines, improvised partnerships, and the creeping sense that a lack of decisive action in the market could derail momentum before it even begins.

Wataru Endo is dependable, yes, but he’s not a centre-back. Andy Robertson is brave and intelligent, but his positional sense is honed for the left flank, not the heart of defence. These are short-term Band-Aids on what now feels like a long-term issue.

Fans are justified in asking questions. Why was Jarell Quansah moved on with no immediate replacement lined up? Why is there no clarity on Konaté’s contract situation with the season looming? If Liverpool are building something under Arne Slot, the foundations must be stronger than this.

No one expects a Galáctico-style splurge, but a signing in central defence is not extravagant, it is essential. One injury to Konaté, and the structure collapses. With domestic and European challenges ahead, Liverpool simply cannot afford to walk the tightrope again. A centre-back must arrive.