Whilst everything seemed to go well for Liverpool in the second half of this season, there was one key thing missing from their game: good defending.
They conceded 50 Premier League goals, which is more than any other team in the top 8. Kolo Toure looked like a shadow of his former self and made a couple of costly errors.
Even Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger were inconsistent this season. Whilst they’re still clearly top defenders, they’re getting on in years and the occasional error also seems to be creeping into their game.
It’s easy to pinpoint Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace as the club’s defensive nadir, but there were performances like that all season long. Brendan Rodgers seriously needs to freshen things up.
This brings me to The Mirror‘s claim that Liverpool are still interested in Cardiff City’s captain, Steven Caulker. The 22-year-old did everything he could to stop The Bluebirds from getting relegated this season, but in the end it wasn’t enough.
Whilst he’s performed well all season long, the rest of his team hasn’t been up to snuff. Yes, he’s quick along the turf, dominant in the air and strong in the tackle, but this hasn’t been enough to save Cardiff.
Given that he’s accustomed to Premier League action, I doubt that he’ll fancy playing in the Championship. He’s still young and if he continues to develop, he could well have a big career ahead of him. The top flight is the best place for him at this moment in his life.
Of course, Liverpool could offer him this and then some. The Reds will be playing in the Champions League next season and I’m sure Caulker would jump at the chance to play in that prestigious competition.
The Mirror claim that Caulker could be available for as little as £9m. That’s a relative bargain considering his combination of youth and experience. Given The Reds’ current defensive crisis (lovely bit of hyperbole there), it would be foolish for them to pass this opportunity up.
What’s your take? Would Steven Caulker help to improve this Liverpool defense? Is he the best option on the market?
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it’s true defensively we have not been doing well hence considering 50. And if stive can help why not
For sure is the mean man for liverpool pls and pls buy him.