CENTRE POINT
Kop defensive legend Thompson: We left ourselves short at back last season... with four centre-halves, we’re back in title race
LIVERPOOL are determined not to get caught out again after a slew of injuries at centre-back derailed their Premier League title defence last season.
The Reds’ first – and only – act of this summer’s transfer window was to spend £36million on bringing in Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig.
Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are all back to full fitness after overcoming the long-term injuries that wrecked their last campaign.
As such, Jurgen Klopp’s side will start this season in far better shape at the heart of defence than they ended the last, with inexperienced duo of Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips paired together.
And, for Liverpool’s former European Cup-winning captain Phil Thompson, what was a position of weakness has become a strength.
Thompson told us: “I thought we left ourselves short last season when Dejan Lovren left for Zenit St Petersburg. We needed that extra centre-back.
“You need four centrebacks because of the demands in the Premier
League. You always thought, ‘Three experienced centre-backs, will that be enough?’
“I think they’ve rectified that now
Konate’s come in. It’s much more positive now for Liverpool at centre-back.”
The transition from famine to feast in defence is perhaps best underlined by the fact they rejected the chance to sign loanee
Ozan Kabak for just £8m. They are also expected to sanction further outgoings, with £15m-rated Nat Phillips attracting interest from Burnley and Brighton, and January signing Ben Davies a loan target for a number of clubs.
Thompson (left) believes that leaves four solid options, whose influence will stretch far beyond the centre of defence.
He added: “It’s not just the centre-backs, Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold didn’t have the best of seasons.
“Because of Joel’s pace and Virgil’s pace usually, they were five to 10 yards further forward and wide, hugging the touchlines.
“But, last season, because of that uncertainty with so many changes at the back, their starting positions were back five or 10 yards. This changed the whole dynamic and didn’t help Trent and Robbo.
“This year, it will be back to normal, and that’s why I’d think Liverpool will be far better off than last season.”
It is not just the back four who Thompson expects more from, with a forward line that – Mo Salah aside – stuttered last season.
“You look at Sadio Mane and Bobby Firmino, they missed a huge amount of chances. That won’t happen again,” he added.
“Joe, Joel and Virgil coming back will help the defence, but I think the lads up front will be a lot better and a lot sharper and score more goals than last year.”
If Klopp’s side deliver on those expectations, Manchester City should expect stiffer competition this season.