Here Are 3 Underrated Yet Quality Defenders Liverpool Could Look To Sign Instead of Van Dijk

Here Are 3 Underrated Yet Quality Defenders Liverpool Could Look To Sign Instead of Van Dijk

Liverpool managed to get back to winning ways at the weekend as they beat Bournemouth away from home. They also managed to keep a clean sheet, their 8th this season, to get back into the top-4 in the PL points table. The front line of the Reds’ is easily one of the best, not just in the country, but also in Europe. But that will not be enough for Klopp to win silverware in his time at Anfield.

They are genuinely short of a centre-back and decided not to spend on one, after missing out on Virgil van Dijk in dire circumstances. This has already cost them a few points. Reports now claim that Liverpool have retained their interest in the Dutch defender, and are ready to meet Southampton’s £70m valuation in January.

It is a steep price for a defender and Liverpool should do their research before spending it on van Dijk. There are a number of CBs in Europe that might also fit in at Liverpool and here are three such under-rated players Klopp should look to sign, instead of the Southampton man.

Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)

The 21-year old Germany international is one of the most highly rated CBs in the Bundesliga at the moment and is the first choice defender for Leverkusen this season. He has made 16 appearances for his side this season and has already made 80 Bundesliga appearances, at the age of just 21. He has also made three international appearances for Germany and is destined to play at the highest level. With his contract running out in 2020, Liverpool, who were previously linked with a move for him, should definitely give him a chance.

Matthijs de Ligt (Ajax)

18-year old Dutch starlet Matthijs de Ligt is easily the most exciting youngster coming out of the Eredivisie this year. Already the first choice for Ajax, De Ligt is a versatile defender, whose strength and understanding of the game allow him to stay a step ahead of his opponents. At just 18, he already has 28 top-flight appearances in the Netherlands, 17 of which have come this season. He is certainly a star for the future and is already wanted by Barcelona. Klopp should surely look to sign him and turn him into a star at Anfield.

Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao)

The 23-year old French CB currently impressing in La Liga, Laporte was a target for Liverpool not so long ago. However, the Reds were not able to lure him out of Bilbao in the past. But with the need for a central defender growing by the day at Anfield, it might be time for Liverpool and Klopp to go all out for Laporte. Currently the first choice for his side, Laporte already has 157 La Liga appearances, which makes him the most experienced player on the list. Surely, if Liverpool are unable to sign Van Dijk, this Frenchman might be their best option.