Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge reckons the club should buy a new central defender of elite standing, despite already having four on the books.
Virgil van Dijk is unarguably the best on the planet right now, but the three options Jurgen Klopp usually has at his disposal to partner him, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren, are currently injured, meaning Fabinho will likely have to play the roll on Saturday against Brighton.
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As a result, Aldridge has highlighted the idea of acquiring Napoli’s phenomenal defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who at the moment is perhaps only second to Virg in world defensive rankings.
“This is not a moment for Liverpool to hit the panic button,” Aldo told the Irish Independent.
“But I would urge the club to consider making a move in the transfer market that could allow them to fit the final piece of a title-winning jigsaw into place.
“Dejan Lovren was a weak link in the defence once again as Jurgen Klopp’s men lost their first Premier League game of the season at Manchester City and I suspect the Croatian will need to be replaced sooner rather than later if this team are to turn potential into success.
“We have seen the impact made by Virgil van Dijk since his £75m arrival last January and I wonder whether a move for a powerhouse defender like Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly could give Klopp’s side the bit they need at the back.
“Top-quality opposition continue to get joy out of targeting Lovren, as he as a tendency to lose concentration and this is why I believe Van Dijk needs an A-list defensive partner.”
The idea of Koulibaly lining up alongside van Dijk is mouthwatering, but the reality is it’s not something we necessarily need right now – especially for the £100m likely cost.
Gomez was enjoying a genuinely exceptional season before his injury, but he woul drop down the pecking order of Koulibaly arrived.
Once he’s healthy again, we want the young Englishman back in the side alongside van Dijk, with Matip as our first backup option and Lovren the second.
It’s simply very bad luck that all three are crocked at the same time, and not something we should worry about happening consistently.
If we get through Brighton, Matip should be back for the Crystal Palace tie anyway.