Liverpool look as though they have ended their interest in signing Benfica left-back Lorenzo Melgarejo, when many fans were thinking Liverpool had secured the Paraguayan defender on a season-long loan.
Liverpool are looking to strengthen their defence given that Jose Enrique is the only natural senior left-back at the club, though right-back Glen Johnson has played in that position several times in Enrique’s absence – notably when Kenny Dalglish returned to the club as manager in 2011.
Andre Wisdom would also be another option in a full back role, but it would still mean Glen Johnson moving to left-back. Interestingly, Rodgers seems reluctant for John Flanagan – also predominantly right sided – to have more of a role within the first team like he did under Dalglish. Jack Robinson, of course, has gone on a season long loan to Blackpool.
The other option Rodgers has is to play centre-half Daniel Agger on the left side of defence, though with Agger playing much of pre-season forming a central defensive partnership with Kolo Toure, that appears unlikely.
What is clear is, however, is that Liverpool do need some more defensive cover, especially with a left-back, and possibly a centre back with Martin Skrtel being linked with a move. It’s a shame Melgarejo appears to have slipped away.
image: © Bernard C
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