Liverpool Should Full Defensive Reinforcements to Again Slot’s Daring Ambitions
Liverpool followers can already really feel a brand new period constructing below Arne Slot. Contemporary off a unprecedented debut season that noticed him carry the Premier League title, Slot has wasted no time within the switch market. Key signings like Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike have added depth and dynamism to a squad already brimming with expertise. However former midfielder Jason McAteer, talking solely to EPL Index, has urged warning, notably in terms of the centre of defence.
Commercial
Central Defence: A Lacking Piece
“Shedding Jarrell Quansah has left Liverpool brief on the again,” mentioned McAteer, and he’s completely proper. Whereas the Reds are stacked in midfield and up entrance, centre-back stays a trigger for concern. The potential for Ibrahima Konate leaving subsequent summer time provides urgency to the state of affairs. “It is going to be tough for Liverpool to maintain maintain of Konate subsequent summer time, so there must be a security web and Guehi may be the most suitable choice.”
Marc Guehi has the composure, physicality and Premier League expertise to make a long-term affect and is valued at round £40million. With only a 12 months left on Konate’s contract, the membership can not afford to be reactive. Ready till subsequent summer time to handle this hole may depart them scrambling if European giants come knocking. Actual Madrid and Barcelona would absolutely circle like hawks if Konate turns into a free agent.
Photograph IMAGO
Commercial
Full-Again Competitors is Wholesome
Elsewhere, McAteer sees real power. “Conor Bradley can put stress on Jeremie Frimpong at right-back, Milos Kerkez can cowl and even begin forward of Andy Robertson.” This type of competitors is strictly what high sides thrive on. Slot now has a number of choices in key vast areas, and it’ll power consistency from gamers who could have beforehand walked into the beginning XI.
Slot’s willingness to rotate and construct a cohesive unit is central to his model. The truth that no place feels assured will serve the crew properly throughout 4 competitions.
Ahead Line Seems to be Deadly
The addition of Hugo Ekitike rounds out a ahead line already full of tempo and energy. “With Hugo Ekitike coming in, each place in ahead areas is roofed,” McAteer famous. The Frenchman brings unpredictability and depth, one thing that might be essential when accidents or kind dips happen.
Commercial
Including Ekitike offers Slot a distinct profile from the likes of Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota. If Liverpool do handle to safe Alexander Isak as properly, they are going to possess arguably essentially the most versatile and fearsome assault within the league.
Closing Touches Wanted at Centre-Again
Liverpool are near having a whole squad. There’s no query that the membership has recruited well, with goal and steadiness. Nonetheless, McAteer’s evaluation hits house: one harm or switch in central defence and issues may unravel shortly. “Centre-back is the realm that wants consideration, however the remainder of the crew appears to be like very robust.”
Slot could have conquered the Premier League in his first season, however repeating that feat would require not simply brilliance, however robustness throughout all the squad. If Liverpool can land Marc Guehi and safe Konate’s future, they are going to be within the strongest place doable to defend their crown.