Glen Johnson urges Liverpool to signal Guehi in January switch windowJohnson requires Liverpool to behave rapidly
Former Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson believes the membership should transfer quick to strengthen their defence in January, naming Marc Guehi as the best signing to companion Virgil van Dijk.
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Talking to Ace Odds, Johnson urged Arne Slot to usher in the Crystal Palace centre-back to assist tackle Liverpool’s defensive imbalance following a poor run of type. The Reds have struggled for consistency on the again this season, with the defeat at Brentford exposing acquainted points. Slot’s facet conceded three objectives in that 3-2 loss, persevering with a worrying development of defensive fragility.
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“Guehi, everybody’s been talking about him for some time,” Johnson stated. “I believe he’s acquired all of the credentials to fit in completely. Extra importantly for me, I believe he’s the best age to have the ability to do it with Van Dijk for a 12 months or two. Whether or not Van Dijk has been himself or not is debatable. However by way of being alongside somebody you’ll be able to be taught an terrible lot from taking part in with or coaching with or being within the dressing room with, that I believe will be huge for Marc’s future as properly. The earlier you signal him, the higher.”
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Defensive points below Slot
Liverpool’s issues on the again have been evident because the begin of the marketing campaign. The facet has conceded 11 extra objectives than Arsenal after simply 9 league matches, a statistic that displays each structural flaws and particular person lapses.
Regardless of summer time funding, the defensive unit has struggled to settle. Johnson believes Guehi’s arrival wouldn’t solely supply quick stability but in addition long-term worth. At 24, the England worldwide has proven maturity and composure below stress, standing out as one of many Premier League’s most dependable defenders.
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Guehi was near becoming a member of Liverpool on deadline day final summer time earlier than Crystal Palace pulled out of the deal after failing to discover a substitute. Since then, the defender’s inventory has continued to rise, attracting curiosity from Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
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Contract state of affairs may immediate January transfer
Guehi’s present contract with Palace is about to run out on the finish of the season. Supervisor Oliver Glasner has already confirmed that the participant rejected a brand new deal, opening the door to potential suitors.
“They supplied Marc a brand new contract, however he stated, ‘No, I need to make one thing completely different’, and that’s regular,” Glasner stated earlier this season. “It’s how we are able to take care of this case. (What) is the easiest way to get this subsequent step achieved? And that’s all about how we’re speaking collectively.”
For Liverpool, that subsequent step may imply performing decisively in January slightly than ready till the summer time, when competitors for the defender’s signature may intensify.
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Liverpool face choice take a look at
Liverpool’s defensive choices have been stretched additional by Giovanni Leoni’s ACL damage, leaving Joe Gomez because the almost definitely candidate to function within the upcoming League Cup tie towards Palace. Wataru Endo may be utilized in a deeper defensive position.
If Slot’s staff are to regain their resilience, reinforcements will likely be essential. Johnson’s feedback echo the broader sentiment round Anfield, that Liverpool should act with urgency to revive defensive solidity and supply Van Dijk with the assist he wants.