Jurgen Klopp could unleash Liverpool’s ‘own Lisandro Martinez’ to solve defensive issues
Jurgen Klopp likely believed that a single invention would transform Liverpool’s season.
After a chastening 4-1 loss to Napoli in the Champions League, Klopp was searching for solutions to the Reds’ stumbling start to the season, which was largely unexpected.
He acknowledged that his team required a makeover because it had become too predictable for the opposition.
Five months later, Klopp finds himself in a similar precarious situation.
Wolves handed Liverpool their latest humiliating defeat due to a lackluster season last weekend.
Klopp could only watch in horror as the team with the fewest Premier League goals (12) scored three goals against his fragile and ailing squad.
Liverpool conceded three goals for the third consecutive league away game, leaving them 10th in the standings and all but giving up a top-four finish.
With the upcoming Merseyside derby against Everton, Klopp will be pondering his lineup throughout this week.
Changes will be necessary. And one whose berth is vulnerable is Joel Matip.
The worst moment of the center back’s performance in the Wolves loss was his own goal, which gave the home team the lead.
Alan Shearer termed Matip’s performance a “nightmare,” and many Kopites concur. According to WhoScored player ratings, with a score of 5.19, Matip was the worst visitor.
Matip has been an indispensable servant throughout the years. Klopp’s acquisition of him on a free transfer was as shrewd a move as any he has made at Anfield, where he has been at the center of a trophy-laden era.
In fact, in his first season after arriving from Schalke in 2016, he helped the Reds qualify for the Champions League, paving the way for the arrivals of Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
Nonetheless, the former Cameroon international is currently out of sorts. In recent weeks, he has shed his form.
Liverpool have conceded eight goals in Matip’s previous three starts. Worrisomely, the Reds have conceded 23 goals in the 12 games he has started in this season. That amounts to just under two goals per game.
Obviously, it would be absurd to place all the blame on Matip. The majority of Klopp’s squad has performed poorly this season. Choosing the Player of the Year will require some deliberation.
Matip is undoubtedly out of form and has struggled with injuries this season.
It is unknown whether Virgil van Dijk will be available to play against Everton. The Dutchman is the lynchpin of Klopp’s squad, but he has been out with a hamstring injury for more than a month.
This week, Van Dijk will be reintroduced to portions of training. However, due to the severity of his previous setback, Liverpool will not want to take a chance on him breaking down again. Perhaps a spot on the bench is more likely.
Ibrahima Konate has been one of the few players to impress during this campaign. However, the France international is also out with a hamstring injury. Although Konate’s problem is not as severe as van Dijk’s, he may also be suspect.
Joe Gomez’s performances have also been criticized, but he has contributed to two clean sheets since the beginning of the season.
Then why not give Nat Phillips a chance? After replacing Fabinho, Stefan Bajcetic has capitalized on his opportunity to improve Liverpool’s midfield, and a similar move in the back line could yield similar results.
Phillips may have left during the January transfer window because he craves consistent action. Having contributed to Bournemouth’s promotion to the Championship last season while on loan, the 25-year-old will be eager to play every week. Despite this, he was kept at Liverpool as insurance against Konate’s problem. Now, he may be included in Klopp’s plans for the Everton match.
Phillips’ record when starting games is impressive, which is intriguing. He has made 21 appearances since joining the Reds and has a record of 15 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses.
Phillips may not be the world’s most cultured center-back. He is not the type to engage in marauding runs or 50-yard raking passes. However, the former Bolton player is robust and prioritizes defensive work.
Roy Keane recently praised Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez for wanting to defend and having the right character. After Manchester United’s Carabao Cup victory over Nottingham Forest, Keane remarked, “He wants to defend and he looks like the type of lad you want in the trenches with you.”
In the modern game, this is likely a trait that is mocked. Given Liverpool’s defensive woes, however, new solutions are required. Phillips may be deserving of a chance, especially given that Dominic Calvert-Lewin will likely lead the attack.
Jurgen Klopp could unleash Liverpool’s ‘own Lisandro Martinez’ to solve defensive issues
