Nikhil Vinod
Three classy centre-halves who Liverpool must target in the summer
Liverpool are having a dream season under the able yet charismatic guidance of former Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp. Since making the switch from Germany to the Premier League, although he has taken his time to build the squad, he has changed the outlook of this Liverpool side.
They are now a free-flowing, attacking side who are built in their manager’s image. Despite being on top, there are still some issues within this squad that need to be addressed.
With injuries to Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, Klopp was forced to partner the monstrous Van Dijk with the overly inconsistent Dejan Lovren. While Lovren is a World Cup runner-up with Croatia, his spells in the Liverpool first-team have been ridden with individual mistakes and lapses of concentration.
Another centre-half to support Van Dijk is an absolute necessity for Klopp in the next transfer window. Let’s take a look at three centre-halves that Liverpool can realistically lure to Anfield in the summer transfer window:
Konstantinos Manolas (AS Roma)
The 27-year-old has been terrific for AS Roma and Liverpool must test the Serie A side in the summer to relieve some of the defensive pressure off Van Dijk.
The Greek has scored one goal for Roma in 18 appearances this campaign and has always looked solid.
Johnathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)
This 22-year-old German international already has 4 national caps to his name at and is one of the most sought-after young defensive prospects in world football today.
He has played 19 times for his club this term and is contracted to the club until 2023 but at the right price, Leverkusen might sell their man.
His record in big games is especially good and he could be the ideal partner for Van Dijk. Despite being a solid presence in the box with his strength and physical prowess, he is also very pacy, which will suit the Premier League’s style of play.
Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur)
The most cost-effective option available to Klopp, the Belgian has recently signed a one-year extension at Tottenham but a clause attached to the terms of the contract claims that he can leave for £25m in the summer window ahead.
He is a proven Premier League defender with enough experience to walk into any top side and make the starting role his own. All of this added to the fact that he could be signed for peanuts would make it an absolute steal for the Merseyside outfit.
