Liverpool’s Defensive Dilemma: Ought to They Reignite Curiosity in Marc Guehi?
Liverpool’s begin to the season underneath Arne Slot may hardly have been extra memorable. Profitable the Premier League title in his debut marketing campaign has set an bold tone, but the latest run of video games has provided a sobering reminder that the onerous work is much from completed. A 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday, wherein Marc Guehi excelled whereas Ibrahima Konate struggled, highlighted vulnerabilities within the coronary heart of Liverpool’s defence.
Commercial
The timing may hardly be worse. Giovanni Leoni’s critical ACL damage within the 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton has left Liverpool with simply three senior centre-back choices. Given the congested fixture listing and the calls for of a number of competitions, that is an unenviable place for Slot and his workers.
David Lynch, talking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, explored Liverpool’s potential January method to their centre-back scenario. The dialog was candid and provided invaluable perception into how the membership could navigate the following switch window.
“I do barely ponder whether Liverpool are being that agency on their stance.”
Commercial
“With the Leoni damage, perhaps it’ll form of simply change issues a bit bit and over time they’ll assume that it is going to be value us having that additional choice in there.”
“It wouldn’t shock you in any respect if they simply maintain going with the three choices they’ve in the mean time, as a result of it’s very Liverpool to try this.”
“But additionally, the summer season window was nothing like what we’ve seen earlier than so perhaps the method has modified a bit.”
“The decisive issue right here could possibly be whether or not Crystal Palace have a quantity that they are going to do enterprise at. For them, is £20m value it over probably profitable the Europa Convention League?”
Commercial
“Personally, I don’t need to rule something out simply but and I might like to see him signed in January however equally I don’t assume Konate goes to have a poor season and I’m nonetheless satisfied he’s a extremely good participant.”
“I’m not fairly totally ruling it out but, so we’ll see.”
Evaluating Guehi’s Impression
Liverpool’s curiosity in Guehi dates again to the summer season when a £35m deal fell by way of on deadline day. That collapsed transfer could but return to centre stage, particularly given Guehi’s excellent show in opposition to the Reds at Selhurst Park. With solely six months left on his contract come January, Palace can have a choice to make: money in or threat shedding a key defender totally free subsequent summer season.
Commercial
For Liverpool, Guehi affords a mix of athleticism, composure and positional self-discipline that might complement Virgil van Dijk’s management and ease the burden on Konate. His efficiency in opposition to Liverpool on Saturday solely bolstered the sense that he may thrive at a prime membership.
Photograph: IMAGO
Weighing Danger and Reward
Lynch’s observations level to a membership that’s traditionally cautious in January. Whereas the Leoni damage creates a powerful argument for motion, Liverpool’s hierarchy could also be reluctant to hurry right into a deal until Palace’s valuation is compelling.
“The decisive issue right here could possibly be whether or not Crystal Palace have a quantity that they are going to do enterprise at.”
Commercial
This pragmatic stance aligns with Liverpool’s custom of calculated strikes somewhat than short-term fixes. The query for Slot is whether or not the present trio of centre-backs can maintain a title defence and European ambitions with out reinforcements.
Slot’s Problem in Sustaining Momentum
Arne Slot’s tactical acumen has already been confirmed by delivering the league title in his first season. But the Premier League is relentless, and opponents will proceed to focus on Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities. Konate stays extremely rated, as Lynch emphasised, however the mixture of damage threat and the calls for of top-level soccer may stretch the squad skinny.
A January signing like Guehi would ship a powerful message about Liverpool’s intent to construct on their home triumph. It will additionally present very important depth throughout a interval the place momentum may outline the rest of their marketing campaign.