Liverpool’s position defensively is hard to comprehend. They’ve got the right personnel in the form of Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel and Jamie Carragher, they work hard and they’re capable of sterling performances. So why, oh why, have clean sheets been so hard to come by for the Reds this season?
They’ve struggled in particular against the top teams, who are capable of leaking confidence from the Reds’ defense, forcing errors and exploiting lapses in concentration.
I put Liverpool’s leaky back-line down to these three things: individual errors (case in point: the normally reliable Skrtel v Manchester City earlier this season), vulnerability to counter-attacks and set-pieces and the decline of Pepe Reina and Jamie Carragher.
Both players are Liverpool legends and deserving of respect, but Jamie’s legs are going (case in point: the first leg against Zenit) and Reina is not the top goal-keeping talent he used to be. They’ve both had their moments this season, but overall, Liverpool can do better.
This is an area that I’d like to see Brendan Rodgers concentrating on this summer, in the transfer market. He’s proven himself capable of improving the Reds’ attacking line-up, along with the midfield, by signing Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho – can he pull off the same feat with a defender?
According to TalkSPORT, Liverpool are one of the clubs monitoring Lyon defender Dejan Lovren. They’re joined by the likes of Inter Milan, AC Milan and Sevilla in chasing after his signature.
That’s some staunch competition, but I do feel like he’d be a smart addition for Brendan Rodger’s side. The Croatian International (15 caps) is a tough defender, with a strong tackle and good positional awareness. He’s good in the air and along the ground and at 23-years-old, is only going to get better.
There’s a reason why he’s so highly thought of in Ligue 1 (and throughout Europe).
Signing a player like Lovren would help keep Liverpool competitive at the back and keep the likes of Skrtel and Agger from growing complacent. He has enough talent to vie for a first team place and would fit in nicely within the Premier League.
For these reasons, I’d be glad to see Lovren join the Liverpool ranks.
What’s your take? Would you like to see Dejan Lovren join the Liverpool back four? Should Brendan Rodgers be looking elsewhere for new additions?
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