Van Dijk to Gomez: Rating Liverpool’s Centre-back Options
Much is made of Liverpool’s attacking options, but that ignores the solidity that exists in their defensive line-up. Of course, when you have the likes of Virgil Van Dijk marshalling the back, you are unlikely to concede many goals. However, The Reds’ defence is far from a one-man band.
We have decided to rate their centre-back options, to demonstrate just how good they are.
Note: Only players listed as centre backs on TransferMarkt were rated, so this rules out emergency centre-halfs, like Fabinho and Jordan Henderson and players on loan, such as Nathaniel Phillips.
Rhys Williams
Williams stepped-up last season and helped Liverpool finish third. However, the fact that he was allowed go on loan to Swansea for the first half of this season shows where he is in the pecking order.
He is still young at 21, so there is still plenty of time for him to reach the higher levels that are needed to play at this level. For now, though, he will remain an option for cup games and matches where more experienced defenders are being rested.
Joe Gomez
Gomez hasn’t played as much as he would have liked this season, but that doesn’t change the fact that he is a top centre-half. Liverpool fans will be hoping he is happy as a bit part player because it would be a shame for their side to lose such an adaptable player. Having previously proven himself to be an excellent partner for both Van Dijk and Matip, Gomez is an excellent defender to have around the squad.
At 24, he is only going to get better too.
Ibrahima Konaté
Konaté arrived from RB Leipzig with high expectations and although it took him a while to hit form, he is now exceeding those expectations. With strength his key attribute, the French player has proven himself to be more than capable for the demands of the Premier League. At only 22, he is another one of The Reds’ excellent young centre-halves who we expect him to be at the heart of their defence for many years to come.
Joel Matip
Matip is having the season of his career and if he continues to play this well, he could be in with a shout for the ‘Player of the Year’ gong. In past seasons, Van Dijk was Liverpool’s key man at the back. Of course, the Dutchman is still as important, but Matip has proved himself to be an able partner. His marauding runs through the opposition’s midfield have left many a side dumbfounded. Matip really is one of the best defenders in the world and this has been shown in his Champions League games, can Liverpool go all the way. Compare and get Liverpool Champions League tickets here on Seat-Compare.com
The Anfield faithful will be hoping his recurring injuries are now behind him and he can bring this excellent form into the closing months of the season.
Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk is arguably the best defender on the planet. Rarely flustered, he is a player who can out-pace, out-strength, and out-think the majority of attackers. It is difficult to overstate his talent. He plays in a backline that is built on solidity and he is the cement that holds it all together. This is shown by the team’s relative frailty when he is not present.
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In fact, we are sure Liverpool would have finished higher if he was available more last season. He is a brilliant player and the potential future captain of the club.
