LFC Signing Versatile Defender

Liverpool reportedly have a ‘real chance’ of signing a versatile defender this summer, and with their new system of playing a back three while in possession, they could be looking for someone suitable to play on the left of the defence. Merseyside journalist David Lynch wrote for Football Insider that the Reds are also looking at versatile left-sided options as the possibility grows that a new senior defender could be signed. With Joel Matip ageing and Joe Gomez out of form, Liverpool could do with someone who can play centrally too. Potential transfer targets who could play both roles within the squad include Levi Colwill from Chelsea, Micky van de Ven from Wolfsburg, Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, Benjamin Pavard from Bayern Munich, and Jurrien Timber from Ajax. Colwill spent last season on loan at Brighton and has demonstrated that he can play as a left-back, making him a good candidate to replace Andy Robertson in the long term. Van de Ven has demonstrated calmness on the ball as well as the ability to get forward down the left thanks to an astonishing turn of speed for someone 6’3”. Guehi has been a mainstay of the Crystal Palace defence over the last two seasons, playing at centre-back and has featured briefly at left-back and right-back. Pavard wouldn’t really suit the role of a left-sided defender, but does have ample high-level experience playing as a wide centre-half as well as at right-back. Timber played the entirety of last season playing in the middle of a back four, but his attributes demonstrate that he could make the transition to a wide centre-half. He is confident on the ball and is a progressive player from defence, one capable of playing at right-back, however his presence in the air could be a draw back due to his height.