The Liverpool defender is currently on loan at Crystal Palace.
When Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp opted not to use French international Mamadou Sakho and ultimately loaned him out to Crystal Palace, a number of Reds fans threw their hands up in disgust.
Whatever you think of Sakho, there is no doubting his defensive ability, and yet Klopp seemingly felt he had enough of that in the form of Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, Ragnar Klavan and…Lucas Leiva!
The problem is clear: The Brazilian international is not and never will be a centre-back. And with Klavan sitting on the bench while his out-of-position teammate was torn apart against a resurgent Leicester City this week, it seems the Estonian has lost the faith of his manager, too.
That leaves Matip and Lovren as the only two recognised – and seemingly trusted – centre-backs in Liverpool’s squad, and even the Croatian continues to divide opinion.
In time Joe Gomez should fight his way back into the starting line-up, but what chance Klopp admitting his mistake this summer and welcoming Sakho back into the fold?
The Liverpool boss clearly knows his own mind. However, in this instance he has made a huge mistake; one that could ultimately cost the Reds a place in the Champions League next season.
Sakho is arguably the best defender Liverpool have, he is certainly best than Lucas, Klavan and Lovren, and while some managers never admit they were wrong, the smartest and most successful ones sometimes have to.
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