Liverpool confirmed the signing of QPR’s Steven Caulker on loan until the end of the season. The move comes to help remedy the Reds’ defensive crisis that leaves them with only senior centre back available.
No doubt many supporters will be surprised at Caulker’s signing, and not rate him good enough for Liverpool, and his performance on loan with Southampton in Liverpool’s 6-1 defeat of the Saints earlier this season will not help his cause.
But I think it is a clever move by Klopp who had to bolster his central defensive options after suffering a horrendous time with injuries.
Caulker is certainly not the best central defender around, but at this time of year it is difficult to make any signings at all and with Liverpool’s defensive problems it was a must that they had to strengthen their options by bringing in a defender.
The QPR defender has over 200 games experience and it is important that he has Premier League experience. Caulker is also strong in the air which should help Liverpool’s defensive frailties.
Caulker has been signed as an emergency but he has been given a tremendous opportunity to become a regular in Liverpool’s defence thanks to the number of injuries to central defenders.
It makes a lot of sense to sign a player on loan as emergency cover than spend silly money on bringing in another defender because of a short-term injury crisis.
Liverpool supporters must give Caulker a chance to play for the club before criticising him.
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