Liverpool journalist offer thoughts over the clubs ‘experimental’ defensive situation

It is no secret that Liverpool have suffered massively with defensive injuries this season with the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez out on the sidelines for the remainder of the campaign.

This has left the club with just one senior centre-back in Joel Matip, with the Cameroonian also struggling with fitness this season having picked up a few injuries himself. Players such as Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have had to be converted to makeshift defenders many a time this season to fill in the gaps, despite the likes of youngsters Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips impressing when called upon.

I think that Jurgen Klopp isn’t 100% confident when having one of his young stars play and that has led to him opting to Fabinho and Henderson alongside each other at the back in big games and this has had a huge knock-on effect on the rest of the team.

Merseyside Football Reporter for the Telegraph, Chris Bascombe, offered his thoughts on the situation at the back for Liverpool, claiming that it feels like the club is prepared to experiment with their makeshift defence as long as possible to prove they can still be champions even without their full strength squad…

The more Liverpool offer reasons as to why they will not sign a centre-back in January, the more it feels like they are prepared to tolerate a year-long experiment to prove no matter how makeshift their line-up, they can still be champions. #awlfc [chris bascombe – telegraph]

— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) January 17, 2021

I have to say, Bascombe might not be far off the truth there, as it does feel as though the club is being very stubborn in regards to defensive depth in numbers and the continuous need to play our best midfielders in defence has had a major impact on our attack and ability and creativity going forward.

If this really is the case then I think the Liverpool bosses are walking a dangerous line, as it seems as though it would take some really arrogant individuals to want to take the risk of losing out on the title as well as the money that comes with it just because they think they are good enough to play with two midfielders in defence – which is completely against the needs of the squad.

What do you think Liverpool fans, do you agree with Chris Bascombe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below…