Forget Lovren – Here Are 3 Quality Defenders Who Could Do A Better Job For Liverpool

Three Replacements For Dejan Lovren Who Liverpool Can Target

Liverpool’s season hit a massive low once again when they surrendered against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley and suffered a disastrous 4-1 defeat on Sunday evening. Their defensive frailty got exposed once again and Jurgen Klopp’s failure to bring in one centre-back this summer was highly criticised. A central defender, however, was the Reds’ top-most priority but the German gaffer failed to land his top target.

He opted to rely on Dejan Lovren, whose vulnerability has caused them troubles frequently and Klopp has now probably started losing his patience as well, following his dismal outing against Spurs which forced the ex-Borussia Dortmund gaffer to take him off after only 30 minutes of horrendous display.

Joel Matip, the other Reds centre-back, has also started making costly defensive errors and Klopp, being aware of his transfer blunder, should now look for proper reinforcements when the window reopens a couple of months later.

Liverpool ideally need to bring in two new centre-backs to increase quality as well as competition in their backline and can choose from these below-mentioned ones, who might help the Reds boss to serve the purpose.

Virgil Van Dijk

Current Club: Southampton

Age: 26

Country: Netherlands

The Dutchman is still Klopp’s top-most transfer priority and Liverpool are expected to chase his signature once again this winter. Van Dijk initially refused to play again for the Saints but is now featuring regularly and has come back to his best one again despite initial shambles.

He is strong, known for his aerial presence, loves to build the game from deep defence by banking on his great passing skills and is also hailed for his sense of positioning, tackling, blocking and intercepting skills. He has the all-around defensive ability and won’t come cheap even if Southampton decide to let him leave in January. But the Reds are desperate and are hopeful of meeting the Saints’ demands for their prized asset.

Jonathan Tah

Current Club: Bayer Leverkusen

Age: 21

Country: Germany

The youngster has represented his country in several youth ranks, broke into Joachim Low’s senior side and has earned three caps so far for. Tah joined Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen from his boyhood side Hamburger SV and earned a regular status at such a young age. He is now one of their key assets and has shown immense quality in Leverkusen’s backline.

He is 6 ft 4 and that helps him to dominate the aerial balls. Tah is regarded for his tackling and intercepting attributes and also loves to play short passes to help his side build attacking threats from deeper areas. His style of football suits Jurgen Klopp’s philosophy and the young German international will be a massive signing for the Merseysiders if groundworks are done properly this time around.

Stefan De Vrij

Current Club: SS Lazio

Age: 25

Country: Netherlands

De Vrij is the most reasonable option right now as the Lazio centre-back will be out of contract next summer. He has rejected a contract extension offer from Lazio too. The Serie A outfit will be looking to listen to offers for him, in order to recoup the transfer fee they paid to Feyenoord back in 2014.

He is strong while tackling, focused while defending and has a strong aerial presence. He also holds admirable passing skills – particularly long balls, and has been an integral part of Lazio’s recent resurgence in Serie A. De Vrij will be a value for money signing and the Reds must grab this opportunity to sign him.