Two centre backs Klopp must sign
Following the injuries to Joe Gomez and Mamadou Sakho, as well as the absence of Tiago llori, who will be representing Portugal at the Rio Olympics, Sam May believes these are two defenders Klopp should make a move for, even though the Reds have completed the capture of Ragnar Klavan from FC Augsburg.
1. Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)
The 20-year-old, a 2015 signing from Hamburg has been a prominent figure at BayArena since his arrival.
Being one of Germany’s best young defensive talents, he would slot straight into Klopp’s set-up, rather than being a player for the future. As somebody once said, “if your good enough, your old enough” – and he’s good enough.
Liverpool have previously targeted a move for Tah and Chelsea were also keen, but their interest has since cooled.
The intelligent 6′ 3″ centre back was called up to the German national team for the European championships in France, following the injury to Antonio Rüdiger, but failed to make an appearance.
Klopp should make a move now for this Jérôme Boateng style player.
2. Niklas Süle (Hoffenheim)
Another solid centre back who would fit the bill at Anfield.
Süle, 20, was linked with a move to Anfield at the end of last season. A move failed to materialise. At 6′ 5″, he has the physical presence to withstand the rigours of Premier League football.
The youngster is strong, reads the game well and is an all round talent. Obviously good in the air, which clearly is what Liverpool need, having conceded far too many goals from set-pieces last campaign. Very composed, he would be the perfect Klopp addition.
Liverpool have previously raised Hoffenheim, signing Roberto Firmino for £29 million, could they go back to lure Süle to Anfield?
Firmino improved dramatically under the Kop boss last season, so if Süle does make the move, expect the same.
With both available, now is the time to take action.
Follow Sam on Twitter: @Sam95May
I am happy with the way that Lovren finished the season and I think Matip is a great player. I agree we need to sign another centre back with 2 departing this summer. I think we need to find a good solid young centre back that is going to learn for a few years before breaking in when he is ready to dominiate the back line.
I would really love either of these too be signed – Sule looks to address a lot of the Set piece issue we have had trouble defending in the past – Matup obviously is half a solution but if injured still leaves us with a lack of aerial presence – both Sule and Matip can and should help with our own set-pieces – corners, free-kicks etc. Sule was a player I hoped we would bring in along with Matip before the window even opened.
I don’t know much about Tah – its a name that seems to have cropped up in the last few days.
BOTH though offer a lot more than Ragnar and would certainly be long term solutions rather than a season or two as ‘back-up’. I know we have high hopes for Joe Gomez but after nearly a year out and that loss in his development, we would be better off protecting him, getting him built back up – even using him as ‘cover’ for Moreno at LB – a position he did well in before injury.
Great choices there for a right-sided defender. Alternative options can be can be José Giménez, Nikola Maksimović, or Carlos Salcedo.