Liverpool’s pre-season has so far been marked by one thing; a propensity to concede goals, and lots of them. What may have first begun as little more than a training exercise is now beginning to take on a more worrying aspect as the dawn of a new Premier League season looms less than two weeks away. Which brings my to the point – have the Liverpoolhierarchy missed a trick in recruiting a new centre half this summer?
It’s clear that certain positions required priority with concerns to the club’s transfer policy going into the summer. A winger and a creative midfielder appeared to be right at the top of the pile and in Stewart Downing and Charlie Adam they appear to have purchased wisely. Jordan Henderson has arrived for a large fee based on his future potential and Brazilian goalkeeper Doni has come in to add competition to the ranks.
However, there have been no reinforcements in defence despite the club having little strength in depth and too man square pegs in round holes. A new left back is still required, despite the progress of Jack Robinson, return of Emilano Insua and good form of recognised right back Glen Johnson in that role towards the end of last season.
The position that has gone rather unnoticed in terms of recruitment has been at centre half with side crying out for some fresh blood.
Jamie Carragher is another year older this season and at 33 years of age, he cannot be factored into the club’s long-term planning too much. Not to mention the fact that the whole defence has to play a deeper line to compensate for the vice-captain’s famed lack of pace.
Martin Skrtel can either be exceptional or ridiculous in equal measure. His ability to attack the ball in the air is both a gift and a curse as it means he can either dominate his opposing number of frequently get caught out of position under a high ball. He remains the quickest centre half on option and when in form, he’s one of the best in the top flight, but he needs constant attention and only appears to play at his best when partnered with a calming, steadying influence such as Carragher.
Daniel Agger is a fans favourite. His ability to pick a pass and bring the ball out of defence often draws admiring glances from neutrals. I may be alone in thinking this, but I’ve never found Agger to be the best of defenders. He doesn’t thrive on it. He’s simply not a natural defender and while he may be pleasing on the eye to the puritan, he simply makes far too many mistakes to be a nailed on starter.
Danny Wilson and Sotirios Krygiakos are acceptable back-up options but nothing more. It would appear that on the surface the side are well stocked, but dig a little deeper and the options are somewhat threadbare.
Okay. If Wilson is only “acceptable” then why was the money wasted on buying him then?
If rumour has it they did try to sign Phil Jones. Maybe after they get rid of a few player they may put in a bid for a Shawcross,Dann, etc.
Agger is a poor defender – no question. His manner on the pitch indicates to me that HE thinks he’s pretty special. Agger, you aren’t that great lad.
Hahahahahaha is that a joke? Agger is absolutely world class when he’s not injured.
Agger is a wonderful defender and very committed to Liverpool FC. Such commitment, talent and effort bar the injuries is what we want at Liverpool FC.
i feel you…james oh james
I totally agree. Its what is killing me at the moment about this summer. We have still not rectified our weakness in defence and its going to cost us champions league and possibly winning the league. As much as it kills me to say United won last season based on their solid defence. Cahil should have been our first summer signing. What’s the point of spending all our money on what we do not need. Our midfield was great as it was. If we purchase Cahil then the league is ours next season.
Get your facts straight. Last season in the league we conceded 44 goals – United conceded 37. Not a huge difference, and we only leaked one more goal than Arsenal who finished in fourth. By contrast we scored 59 goals compared to Utd’s 78. This suggests the front-line, and the supply to the front-line was the priority to strengthen – which we have done. My main concern is keeping Skrtel, Carragher and Agger fit – if they stay fit we’ll be fine. Don’t forget Kelly is a centre-half by trade and he was shaping up to be our young player of the season before his injury.
wise up, liverpool badly need a new centre back, and kelly was dreadful against galatasaray
You’ve virtually said it yourself in the article – Agger would make a wonderful DM! He has all the defensive qualities needed, passes really well, and loves to get forward when the opportunity arises. And he has a hell of a left-foot shot!
Given some experience at the position, he could make people forget about Makelele – and Mascherano. And playing at DM, he would not get as much heavy-duty hammer (hence injuries) as he would at CB.
i def agree we need a defender or 2.agger and johnson regularly pick up injuries and kiri is not up to standard plus carra isnt gettin any younger.kelly looked really good ,i really hope he isnt too injury prone so we can see allot more of him
It’s not that big of a opportunity if you have to spend 17 mil. to get a player.
There are defenders equally good at a lower price.
I’m dissapointed that Liverpool missed to sign Zapata, he could have been good and can cover full back position too.
inaccurate and poorly researched article. the header implies that we have not gone after Cahill. LFC went after Jones, and remain linked with Dann, Cahill and Shawcross. We will be signing another centre-half and also a left back, where your article seems to forget the existence of the multi-talented Aurelio. Like Agger, he just needs to stay clear of injuries. JM our midfield was not ‘great as it was’. Lucas was great, Kuyt excellent. Gerrard injured. The midfield functioned well when we played five, but if we are going to play Suarez and Carroll, they need the strength to manage with four. Mereiles is too weak for that, as is Aquilani. So we would have only Kuyt – Spearing – Lucas – Maxi….. great as it was ? We will sign a centre half, a left back, and a back-up forward to replace Ngog. Then we are ready.
MARTIN KELLY!!!!