Centre-backs, Liverpool need them. Not just one, but two, maybe three. So who could come in to save the Reds? In the current climate, Arne Slot's side might be heading into the game against Manchester...
Centre-backs, Liverpool need them. Not just one, but two, maybe three. So who could come in to save the Reds?
In the current climate, Arne Slot's side might be heading into the game against Manchester United with just two fit centre-backs.
Giovanni Leoni is ruled out for the rest of the season. Ibrahima Konate was forced to return to the club after an injury prevented him from playing for France during the international break.
So, only Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk are left standing and that is a precarious situation.
Slot is literally just an injury away from having to play Wataru Endo or promote someone from the academy, Rhys Williams, perhaps?
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The solution would have been to bring in Marc Guehi. Liverpool would not be sweating as much if he had completed his move to Anfield on deadline day.
That may still yet happen. Although the January window is probably not the right time for it. For both Liverpool and Guehi it makes more sense to complete the move next summer, when the Reds can just sign him for free and he'd be entitled to a nice signing-on fee.
But then if no Guehi, what happens in January? Well Liverpool should still sign a centre-back. They need one at least, even if Guehi was guaranteed to join the club.
Konate's situation is uncertain. He could move onto pastures new if he doesn't extend his deal when his contact expires in the summer.
That would leave Liverpool in the same predicament. Richard Hughes therefore needs to act and there is an exciting 18-year-old who might just be the answer to his problems.
Let us introduce you to The Gambia's Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh. You might not have heard of him yet but soon you will.
He's currently one of the most exciting prospects playing in Scandinavia and a move to Europe's top five leagues is imminent for the young man.
© IMAGO - Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh Liverpool
Kinteh is a centre-back who predominantly plays on the left-side of the defence. He plies his trade in Norway for Tromso and plays in a back three system, where he is often given the licence to go forward and instigate attacks for his team.
Right now, Liverpool do lack a player who can play behind Van Dijk, and also who can involved himself in the build-up play and instigate attacks from deep and find players like Florian Wirtz in the right positions.
Kinteh is someone who has shown he's absolutely capable of this. He averages the third most progressive passes (11.89 per 90) in the Eliteserien among centre-backs.
Out of the players who average at least 11 progressive passes, he has the best accuracy (81.63%).
Impressively, he also averages the second most passes into the final third (13.3 per 90) which is a remarkable statistic for any young player.
He's very useful in possession and he's also a great duel winner, who reads the game astutely and has the speed and physicality to be a real force.
Due to his ability to step forward out of defence, he's got the versatility to play as a holding midfielder as well.
On paper, Liverpool need depth in January and Kinteh would make a lot of sense. He'd need time to adapt to the Premier League but long-term, he could be a really valuable addition - someone with the potential to play for the Reds for many years to come.
Category: General Sports
