Liverpool are set to miss out on Stefan de Vrij’s signature as the Lazio centre-half has already agreed to personal terms with Serie A outfit, Inter Milan. Jurgen Klopp was looking to further bolster the defensive backline after bringing in Virgil van Dijk on a record transfer from Southampton over the January window.
De Vrij could have been a shrewd acquisition and the player himself would have been pleased to be paired up with his compatriot and bring some stability to the vulnerable Reds backline. Even though Klopp’s side does remarkably well on the offensive end, the defence has let them down on multiple occasions over the course of the season.
The Reds have conceded a number of ludicrous goals in the Premier League this season. Ragnar Klavan has been a short-term answer which has not panned out as expected.
Van Dijk is still adjusting to the role beside Joel Matip with Dejan Lovren as a backup option. The former Dortmund manager’s style of play implements a fast-paced attacking team which always presses the opposition players aggressively to retain possession. In the Bundesliga, the gameplay worked with the quality of Mats Hummels and Neven Subotic at the back, however, the Premier League is a different story altogether.
The pace of the English game along with the level of competition does not allow complacency or any weak links to exist in the elite teams. A well-drilled defensive backline ensures a successful title challenge and the Reds need to follow that same rule to start the following campaign on a more promising note.
Here are a few players they should consider as De Vrij’s replacement.
Jose Gimenez
The 23-year-old is a highly rated centre-half who has appeared in 27 games for Atletico Madrid this season.
He has been capped at international level 37 times and is expected to take the stage in the 2018 FIFA World Cup for Uruguay. His composed presence along with an ability to read the game well is what sets him apart from the rest. Arsenal are the latest suitors to monitor his progress ahead of the summer and Liverpool should join the race.
Toby Alderweireld
The Belgian’s situation with Tottenham Hotspur continues to be speculated upon over a lack of game time in recent weeks. Alderweireld has been demoted to a rotational role and his contract is set to expire in the summer of 2019. Heavy interests have chimed in from European sides already.
Jonny Evans
If all else fails, why not consider a veteran of the English game. He currently plays for West Brom and was at the heart of heavy transfer rumours over the January transfer window.
