[ad_1]
Virgil van Dijk faces a long spell on the sidelines after sustaining injury during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Everton on Saturday.
The world-class Dutch central defender was forced to retire in the 11th minute of the Merseyside derby after a poor tackle from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Pickford escaped punishment, to the surprise of many, and initial reports of Van Dijk’s condition are troubling.
beIN Sports has reported that Van Dijk could be out for up to eight months due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
If the report proves to be accurate it would obviously be a huge blow to Liverpool’s hopes of retaining their Premier League title.
Van Dijk, arguably the best defender in the world, has been instrumental in the Reds’ recent success following their £ 75 million arrival from Southampton in January 2018.
If Van Dijk is out for the rest of the season, Jurgen Klopp will surely consider signing another top center-back when the transfer window reopens in January.
No one will be able to replace the incomparable Van Dijk, but here are eight defenders who could improve Klopp’s defensive options.
Dayot Upamecano | RB Leipzig
Strongly linked to a move to Manchester United before the transfer window closed earlier this month, Dayot Upamecano is one of Europe’s most sought-after defenders.
The 21-year-old has been capped three times for France and scored his first international goal against Croatia last month.
Kalidou Koulibaly | Naples
Kalidou Koulibaly is another highly skilled center-back who was linked to a move to the Premier League over the summer.
The Napoli star, who turns 30 next June, has more experience than most defenders on this particular list.
Conor Coady | Wolves
Born in St Helens, Merseyside, Conor Coady grew up supporting Liverpool and would surely be tempted by the opportunity to join the Reds if the call came from Klopp.
The Wolves ace, 27, impressed during the recent international break while playing for England.
Milan Skriniar | Inter de Milan
Tottenham remain interested in signing Milan Skriniar, but Liverpool could be an even more attractive option for the Slovakian international Inter Milan.
The 25-year-old has been capped 33 times for his country.
Pau Torres | Villarreal
Recently linked to both Arsenal and Manchester United. Pau Torres may already be on Klopp’s radar.
The 23-year-old Spanish international has spent his entire career at Villarreal, except for one season on loan at Malaga during the 2018-19 campaign.
Caglar Soyuncu | Leicester city
As we saw with Harry Maguire, Leicester City will sell its best players as long as the price is right.
Caglar Soyuncu wouldn’t be cheap, but the 24-year-old Turkish international might be worth it.
Ozan Kabak | Schalke
Another Turkish center-back, Liverpool, would be interested in Schalke’s Ozan Kabak.
The youngest player on this short list, Kabak only turned 20 in March and could be one for the future rather than the present.
Jules Koundé | Seville
The same can be applied to the talented Sevilla defender Jules Koundé, 21.
Manchester City were linked to the French Under-21 international before signing Ruben Dias from Benfica.
News Now – Sports News
[ad_2]
