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Much of Liverpool’s current campaign has been defined by the centrals. The Reds started in September as favorites for the Premier League crown, but week by week, that has become increasingly doubtful in the wake of the relative crisis that has emerged.
First it was Virgil van Dijk, who suffered a long-lasting injury, and then it was Joe Gomez, and it is unlikely that both will appear again this season. Since then, Fabinho and Joël Matip have followed suit by taking smaller but equally frustrating blows, and Jordan Henderson had to fall back on Jürgen Klopp’s defensive line at times.
He did exactly that on Sunday afternoon against West Ham United and during the match Liverpool reportedly agreed to a fee with Preston North End for Ben Davies, who will join for just £ 2m.
Liverpool have apparently been targeting a specific trait that was delivered by Henderson against the Hammers, and is shared by Van Dijk, Davies and Duje Caleta-Car (the Marseille defender who was also considered the day of the deadline).
There are a number of valuable qualities Liverpool look for in a central defender, but the club seems to put more weight than expected on the ability to demonstrate precise passing range from the back when hitting long.
Van Dijk has earned a reputation for his distribution from the center of defense, and Klopp’s men can often escape pressure moments near their own goal by using the Dutchman’s ability to quickly find Mohamed Salah in the last. third in the blink of an eye.
Mikel Arteta elaborated on the ability earlier in the season, stating: “We tried to put them under as much pressure as we could, but then Van Dijk plays 60 yards to Salah and they’re out. That’s quality.”
It’s an offensive weapon that Liverpool have valued more and more over time, with Henderson’s passing network from Sunday’s clash, as shown below, offering evidence that Klopp has tried to retain the subtle threat despite of injuries.
Salah and Sadio Mané are two quick forwards who tend to get into goal and are quick enough to penetrate the space behind defenders before opponents know it, which is very effective once they are paired with balls. above deeper areas.
It’s an on-field solution to breaking through defenses that Liverpool haven’t had to some extent without Van Dijk, but Davies and Caleta-Car tick the box and it’s reasonable to suggest that the Reds have wanted to identify players with the trait. in your search.
The Preston man completed 100% of his 73 passes against Derby County earlier in the season, and many of them were long, as shown above.
Long passes over the top regularly prove to be a pathway to Liverpool goals and by securing Davies and chasing down players like Caleta-Car, the Reds are clearly moving to ensure this particular threat can be reestablished before the end. campaign commercial. .
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