da luck： Liverpool are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements as they juggle the seemingly endless injury woes dealt to them this season. Whilst Virgil van Dijk may not play another game this term, Joel Matip and stand-in defender Fabinho are also out of action.
da wazamba： The Reds’ Champions League clash against Midtjylland saw teenager Rhys Williams step up to the plate. Whilst he did a solid job and was lauded by Trent Alexander-Arnold for his efforts, Jurgen Klopp can’t rely on him for the long-term.
The German would also be foolish to place all his trust in Fabinho, who is primarily a midfielder. After already suffering an injury, Klopp’s tensions will be high over a second occurrence. Signing a new centre-back in January is an absolute must for the Premier League champions, who could see their chances this season slip if they don’t take action.
Liverpool interested in Antonio Rudiger
Amid Chelsea’s lavish summer spending spree, Roman Abramovich stressed the importance of balancing the books by offloading some senior personnel. Antonio Rudiger was named amongst the players being lined up for the chop and Liverpool are reportedly monitoring the situation, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Despite falling down the pecking order, Frank Lampard opted to start the Germany international in Chelsea’s match against FC Krasnodar on Wednesday. The Blues breezed to a 4-0 win, with Rudiger registering the highest passing percentage out of anyone else on the pitch with 97% (via Sofascore).
He misplaced just three passes during the full 90 minutes and whilst his defensive contributions weren’t groundbreaking, he would suit playing alongside Joe Gomez. The England international does well to get stuck into the action by putting in interceptions, tackles and clearances each game. Rudiger’s calm passing and contribution to the attack would balance Gomez’s more defensive game well.
A replacement for Lovren
Despite Lampard’s disinterest in the defender, the 27-year-old has earned a lot of praise from others. Garth Crooks recently lauded Rudiger’s abilities, naming him in his BBC Sport Team of the Season for 2019/20.
“His performances have been outstanding during a difficult period for the Blues,” the ex-striker wrote. “Every time I watch this lad play I am bowled over by his enthusiasm and competitive nature. A man for a crisis.”
Liverpool are certainly in a crisis. They will need a tried-and-tested centre-back come January and Rudiger could be the answer as a quick fix until van Dijk returns from his lengthy injury. Even after the Dutchman recovers from his ACL damage, Rudiger will serve as a strong back-up, after the Reds failed to replace Dejan Lovren in the summer.
According to ESPN, the west Londoners would be looking to get £20million for the sale of the German, which is a friendly amount to fill a position desperately in need.
In other news, Champions League display doesn’t mean Liverpool can rely on Rhys Williams…