Liverpool have been linked with Jetro Willems and Bruno Martins Indi in recent weeks.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp
Liverpool’s defensive issues have been made loud and clear over the opening games of the Premier League season. Conceding six goals in the first three matches does not suggest a strong back four unit, despite the Reds picking up four points.
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of the defence for fans is the revolving door at left-back. Both Alberto Moreno and James Milner have started in the position so far, with generally negative results.
Moreno has continued to demonstrate that his defensive mind isn’t his strongest, instead preferring to bomb up the field and allowing a gaping hole for the opposition to attack. This was evident in the 4-3 opening day defeat of Arsenal, where he was frequently exposed and gave away a penalty.
Liverpool’s Alberto Moreno
Milner meanwhile was at fault for the club losing its lead away at Tottenham this past weekend, stepping out of position to enable Eric Dier to whip a cross into goalscorer Danny Rose.
To be fair to Milner he is not a natural left-back, but for players in positions to shore up the defensive gaps, performances have not been good enough. For a back four that is still shaky at best, the left-back position is the overwhelmingly glaring weakness.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has gone on record of saying the club has faith in the players he has. But the left-back problem is going to get worse before it gets better and the German must look to bringing in reinforcements if not to command the position, but to increase the competition.
There is a market for left-backs, as evidenced by the club’s failure to land Leicester defender Ben Chilwell earlier this summer but, being more ambitious, the Reds could look to bring in PSV left-back Jetro Willems.
The Netherlands international has all the attributes of a modern full-back, and is extremely competent at both attacking and defending.
Liverpool’s James Milner celebrates scoring their first goal
Liverpool have been linked with the 22-year-old over the course of the transfer window, and a move for him could work to drive the likes of Moreno and Milner (if Klopp continues to field him at left-back) to improve defensively.
The club continue to be linked with Porto defender Bruno Martins Indi, competent at both the centre and the left side of defence, and his would represent another solid addition for Klopp.
With the transfer window on the verge of closure until January, Klopp must not allow it to pass by him without securing a left-back, and the right signing could go a long way in correcting Liverpool’s defensive troubles.
Porto defender Bruno Martins Indi
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