3 Defenders Who Will Make This Liverpool Side Rock Solid In Defence

Liverpool Football Club need some major reinforcements in the summer before they return to the Champions League after a 4 year absence. Squad strength and depth will be an important factor for the Reds next season and thus their transfer activity in the closed season will be crucial. Defence is where Liverpool have looked weakest all season and thus it’s safe to assume that defenders will be priority numero uno for Rodgers.

We take a look at 3 potential centre backs who could strengthen the Liverpool backline for the upcoming season

1. Joel Matip

 

Liverpool have long been linked with Matip’s teammate Papadopolous but in his absence Matip has had an excellent season and been the cornerstone of the Schalke backline. With Howedes being the more experienced centre back, the composure shown by Matip is exemplary. Being the proactive of the duo, the Cameroonian has a habit of roaming slightly higher up the pitch looking to thwart any developing attacks and make subsequent interceptions to break the play. His height gives him a clear aerial advantage and thus plays a key part in defending set plays something Liverpool have suffered from this season.

With Sakho likely to be the guaranteed starter from next season on and Skrtel-Agger likely to move away from Anfield, Matip could be the ideal partner for the Frenchman. To add to this he is also versatile and can play a defensive midfield role if need be. All in all, even if Liverpool hang on to Skrtel or Agger or both this summer, Matip would definitely add quality and depth in an area Liverpool have looked most vulnerable in. Add to that the fact that he will not be very costly, it could be an excellent deal for the Reds if they manage to pull it off.

2. Matteo Musacchio

Another proactive defender, Musacchio is a 23 year old Argentine playing for Villareal in the La Liga. With 104 interceptions, 180 clearances and 72 tackles his defensive aggression shall need no more introduction. With an impressive season under his belt Matteo would be attracting a lot of attention, so if Liverpool are interested they probably will have to act quick.

The Villareal man has a good distribution rate and likes to keep it simple by playing the ball out to the full backs. Probably the only area of significant weakness for Musacchio is in the air where he looks to be unsure more often than not and doesn’t have the best anticipation either. On the ground however he reads the game much better as is suggested by the numerous interceptions under his belt. The only likely hurdle in signing the Argentine could be that he extended his contract only recently and negotiations might be draining and difficult to conduct.

3. Inigo Martinez

21 year old, mature and compared to Carles Puyol, Inigo Martinez has been on Liverpool’s radar for over a year now. Interestingly it is Barcelona who might give them competition if and when the defender moves. Blessed with brilliant reading of the game, Martinez is very composed and always shows a strong focus and concentration through out the 90 minutes. His strengths also include coming out top in tackles more often than not, recording an almost 75% success rate.

Despite not being the tallest of defenders, Inigo Martinez has an excellent leap and thus impresses in aerial duels. Another important asset he possesses that will suit Liverpool(and also Barca) is the fact that he is very comfortable in playing the ball out of defence which fits perfectly into Liverpool’s counter attacking philosophy as it needs a deeper player to release the forwards to counter. Not to forget his long range strikes from the half line that drew online applause from former Reds favourite Xabi Alonso as well. In a nutshell Inigo will fit in easily at Liverpool and could probably be their best choice this summer but competition from Barcelona and other clubs could drive the price up, something that the Merseysiders can clearly not afford.