Liverpool FC’s latest humbling in Premier League action, a 1-0 loss for Jurgen Klopp’s men to Southampton on Monday, indicates the ever-increasing need for the Merseysiders to recruit fresh talents in the ongoing January transfer window.
Jordan Henderson was slotted in at the centre-back spot alongside Fabinho, with both midfield players operating as makeshift options in the heart of the Liverpool FC backline for the Reds’ fixture against the Saints at St. Mary’s.
In the aftermath of yet another disappointing outing for his old club, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher was quick to point out that Jurgen Klopp’s side could be certain to miss out on retaining their Premier League crown should they decide against adding new faces in the defensive department at Anfield over the month-long transfer window.
‘I can’t see Liverpool winning the league if they don’t buy a centre-back,’ said the ex-Liverpool man, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
‘I said that after the Everton game when (Virgil) van Dijk was injured but I think it’s a really tough ask if they don’t bring anyone in.
‘The fact they played Jordan Henderson at centre-back is not going to do a lot for the two lads on the bench (Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips) and their confidence if they have two midfielders playing there. Henderson is not a centre-back. He did well, but it’s not his position.’
Both Nat Phillipps and Rhys Williams were left out on the bench to make way for Henderson’s inclusion in the four-man backline for the Champions of England, and despite the Liverpool FC’s skipper turning out in an encouraging display, Klopp’s limited squad depth was visible in their loss to Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side.
