Recent rumours suggest that Liverpool is keen on signing 31-year-old Brazilian right-back Dani Alves next summer. Dani Alves’ contract, with current club FC Barcelona, expires at the end of this season. Along with Liverpool two other Premier League giants, Manchester United and Arsenal, are also in the race to grab hold of this defender.
At present Liverpool has Glen Johnson at their disposal in the same position. The English right-back has remained out of favour since a long time now and it is believed that lack of first team action will drive Johnson away from the club next summer. Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers, has changed the playing formation of the club and they mostly play a 3-4-3 formation nowadays.
Liverpool has lately performed pretty well. They have not lost a single game in last 10 competitive games. The new formation has suited the players pretty well. They are now back in contention of finishing among the top four in the Premier League once again.
Liverpool will have to make some changes in their squad next season. They desperately need a striker who can partner Daniel Sturridge, as well as act as a cover for him. Mario Balotelli has been an utter disappointment and in all probability the club will sell him. Also, they need a talismanic centre back who can be relied upon against tougher opponents. The current set of defenders at Liverpool is doing a commendable job, but still they will in need of a quality centre back next season.
The only defender with whom Liverpool is linked to is Dani Alves. While, nobody can doubt the champions league winner’s ability, we have to keep in mind that he has grown old and are well past his prime. Alves in this season has been below average and has not even matched the standards set by him. He is also losing his position at the national team too. Liverpool, instead of signing an old warhorse should probably look for younger defenders who will add pace to their game. Also, in the current formation in which the side is playing, Brendan Rodgers will be needing a quality centre back rather than a high profile right-back.
It will be a wise decision by Brendan Rodgers to not run behind Dani Alves, even though he will be available for a free transfer next season. Rather he should invest the money for a quality striker and a centre back.