Martin Skrtel Out, 3 Perfect Replacements In – Scouting For Liverpool’s Centre Back

Martin Skrtel had been one of the permanent fixtures of Liverpool’s starting eleven in the previous few seasons. The 28 year old Slovakian had a dream season under Brendan Rodgers in the 2013/14 season in which Liverpool came agonizingly close to winning the Premier League title. He was one of the highest scoring defenders, but this season he has been a mere shadow of the Martin Skrtel we know. He was in the starting eleven at the beginning of the season, but a continuous dip in form, Lovren and Sakho building a great partnership and injuries have made him the third choice defender. It is certain that Klopp will replace him in the transfer market.

Here are three defenders who can be perfect replacements to Martin Skrtel.

1.) Niklas Sule

The Hoffenhiem defender has been one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga this season and is in top form. He has a phenomenal tackle success rate and is in the radar of Jürgen Klopp. With Liverpool in need of some defensive stability, Sule could be the player that they are looking for. He is good at defending set pieces, something that has haunted Liverpool throughout the season. Niklas Sule is the perfect replacement for Martin Skrtel and Liverpool are expected to sign him.

2.) Neven Subotic

Subotic has been a great defender for Dortmund but has become the second choice defender with Sokratis taking over his place. Lack of game time could be a very big reason for him leaving Dortmund and joining Liverpool. Also Subotic has played under Jürgen Klopp during the German’s time as Dortmund’s manager. Klopp’s influence would be vital in luring Subotic to Liverpool. With Subotic’s great tackle timing and game reading, he would be a good replacement for Skrtel.

3.) Gary Cahill

The Chelsea defender has had an average season at the club. With Antonio Conte taking charge of Chelsea, he is expected to make a few changes to the team, especially at the defence and will bring good talent from Italy. With changes bound to happen, Cahill’s position in the starting eleven is quite uncertain. He is very good at tracking runs and defending set pieces and is also an important player when he is at the other end of the pitch for set pieces. He is good in the air and is a good replacement for Skrtel. Also with game time expected to become less, the Englishman making a move to Liverpool could benefit both him and Liverpool.