According to reports, Liverpool are now keeping tabs on Uruguay’s Under-18 captain Sebastian Caceres as the young centre half has attracted interest from all around the globe. Liverpool’s need for a quality centre half isn’t a secret and their latest defeat to Manchester City has exposed it once again.
Despite defence being one of their core problems last season, the Reds have failed to get a central defender this summer too. Jurgen Klopp did manage to upgrade his attack and midfield that were already quite lethal last campaign, and those will help them immensely in the European and domestic cups too.
However, their lack of quality centre-halves has already back fired massively. And with so many top sides competing for the title now, chances of that happening again aren’t unlikely. Manager Jurgen Klopp was handed his heaviest Premier League defeat last game as City ran a 5-0 riot over the Reds.
And the fact that this shocking result comes in the immediate next game after they humiliated Arsenal at Anfield could lead to two things. Either Premier League is the most open league in the world at the moment or Liverpool were living in a hype so far. Arsene Wenger’s decision to go with a totally wrong team for that game was immensely criticized and it now seems that Arsenal’s terrible attack was more at fault over Liverpool’s flawless defence that day.
With Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan, it will be very difficult to contend for the title and someone like Caceres could really make a difference. The 18-year-old currently plays for Montevideo-based club Liverpool FC and a string of good performances have also helped him get into the first team.
He has already attracted interests from Premier League side Chelsea, and Liverpool might have to compete with him. At 183cm, the South American can play anywhere at the back and could suit Premier League’s style of play very well. He is very highly rated by the Uruguayan football system and is expected to break into the senior team although World Cup next year would be too soon.
La Liga side Barcelona have also shown a keen interest in the player who are experiencing a lack of service from their famed La Masia academy at the moment. However, with Liverpool and Chelsea showing intent last summer, the Catalans will have to work fast.
According to reports, both the English clubs have sent scouts to watch Caceres following the young centre-back’s strong start to his first-team career. Dutch side Feyenoord had given a chance to train with them, but a failed attempt means he will remain at Liverpool FC for now.
Liverpool will desperately need a centre-half in the winter and with the chance to secure Virgil van Dijk as good as dead, they have to look at other options. Caceres could be a gamble but Liverpool will have to take it.
