Former Reds legend Jamie Carragher urges Liverpool to look for a central defender as a back-up as soon as possible.
Liverpool should give utmost importance to buy a central defender in the January transfer window, says Jamie Carragher. Unfortunately for the Reds, another lightning struck on them as Joel Matip sustained an injury. The 29-year-old was taken off in the second half as they were held 1-1 by West Brom in the Premier League.
As it stands, the English champions are operating without main man Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman suffered a horrific knee incident back in October. Along with him, another center-half Joe Gomez is absent due to physical problems. One would say that Jurgen Klopp has various alternatives in the back such as Rhy Williams and Nathaniel Phillips. But Carragher believes that Liverpool needs an extra player as a backup.
Desperate times, desperate measures.
Carragher said on Sky Sports: “It’s a massive worry, but it’s not a new worry. Joel Matip will not play every game between now and the end of the season. We knew that even before the injury today, that’s why it’s paramount Liverpool sign somebody in January. I said that as soon as Virgil van Dijk had his injury against Everton.
“Fabinho’s gone there and looked like a top-class centre-back in that position. So maybe people at the club felt the need wasn’t as urgent. But Joel Matip is too injury prone, his body can’t take the rigour of playing Premier League football week in, week out. We know that since he joined, he’s a really good player.”
“I still believe Liverpool are the best team in this league, even without Van Dijk. And I think most people would say they’re favourites to win the Premier League. The only way they don’t win it is if they have problems at centre-back. Where Rhys Williams or Nat Phillips have to play for a prolonged period of time.”
“The odd game now and again, they’ve done fantastic. But I know, since that’s the position I played, it’s not really a position for young players as such. At times they will make mistakes as they’re young players, they’re learning.”
“That’s the only way that could cost Liverpool. And I don’t necessarily mean bringing in a centre-back for £70-80 million like a Van Dijk type of signing. And not necessarily someone to go straight into the team. Just someone there so that Liverpool don’t end up with two young lads at some stage for five or six weeks if Fabinho was to go down injured.”
“At this moment, Liverpool have one senior centre-back who is available this season and he’s injury-prone. So they have to do something in January.”
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