Liverpool had an entire summer to attend to their defensive frailties and shore up their back line. Klopp’s pursuit of Southampton star Virgil Van Dijk had Liverpool fans hopeful all summer until the Saint’s board came down hard on the Reds and reported them for approaching their player by using unconventional means. The Reds had to stand down as they dropped their pursuit of the player.
When many thought, they would turn their attention to some other player for sure, Klopp chose to move on and add further firepower to his already loaded attacking cavalry by buying Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah. The Reds failed to make any defensive buys and their current defensive frailties are all but exposed. They have shipped in 12 goals in 7 matches including a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Pep’s Manchester City.
The current crop of defenders simply do not look good enough to be guiding a back line for a team that is competing for the ultimate prizes in England and Europe. A new centre-back is the need of the hour and Klopp despite his stubborn claims that all is fine will know that unless he shores up that back line, any title his might want to win is likely to slip away.
With Virgil Van Djik’s stance at Southampton in a very complicated state, Liverpool cannot afford to wait anymore. They must bring in reinforcements in January. A new possible signing that has emerged for the Reds is Van Djik’s international defensive partner Stefan De Vrij. The 25-year old currently playing for Lazio has stalled talks of a new contract.
De Vrij’ current contract at Lazio expires at the end of this season and although the Biancocelesti want to seal a new deal that would include a buy-out clause, the price of the clause has not been settled yet with a mismatch of €20m still left to be sorted out.
De Vrij, who came into the limelight early, made his professional debut back in 2009 for Feyenoord as a 17-year old. The Dutch defender went on to make 135 appearances and scored six goals in the process, before moving to Lazio for an undisclosed fee.
After impressing in the Holland team that finished runners-up in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the Dutch defender completed his move to Lazio and has played for them ever since. The 1.90m tall centre-back, who is comfortable on the ball has made 70 appearances for the club.
With the Holland star reaching the end of his contract at Lazio, Liverpool should jump in for the defender and add some much need quality at the heart of their defence. A defensive seal might not only help them win matches where they outclass opponents with dazzling attacking play but might also help them see out matches after securing slender leads.
