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The question arose for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool fans were listening carefully.
After seeing what was a surprise team token for the visit to Chelsea, Reds fans had noticed Fabinho lining up in central defender alongside Virgil van Dijk.
They also noted the absence of Joe Gomez and Joel Matip on the seven-man substitute bench.
So what exactly was the problem?
And while Klopp did provide a brief summary of Gomez and Matip’s latest ailments, it was three interspersed words that hinted at what to expect in the middle.
“Joe is not a real concern, it’s probably just today,” Klopp said.
“Same with Billy.
“With Joel it could take a few more days, he’s a muscle.”
The Billy Klopp was referring to was, of course, Koumetio, a player whose progress seems to continue at a rapid pace.
It was just a month ago that the 17-year-old defender was drafted as a late call for the club’s preseason trip to Austria.
A central shortage, as seems to be the current theme of late, was the reason behind his rise to the ranks of the first team. Even if it was to be fleeting for the former United States central midfielder of Orleans.
Transfers, win over Chelsea and more in the latest Blood Red podcast HERE
“The perfect situation would be that maybe he really is with the Under-23s and things like that,” Klopp said at the time.
“But a training camp is a good opportunity for him, it’s good for us to see him.”
Courteous, friendly and eager to learn from their most esteemed colleagues, Anfield insiders were impressed by what they saw over nearly a fortnight in Austria.
“He’s physical, very impressive and he looks calm,” a source who was present in Austria told ECHO.
“He has good timing and he’s also strong and powerful. He has good speed, all the tools you want in a central defender.”
And at a time when the Reds are bone-deep in their position, could it be time for the teenager to step up and show why Klopp talks about him moments before a game at Chelsea?
Fabinho’s commanding performance alongside Virgil van Dijk at Stamford Bridge may have eased concerns about the lack of high-level and available media.
But for those who still feel that someone needs to get in before the October 5 transfer deadline, their hopes may be dashed.
ECHO understands that the club is not actively planning to bring anyone into the middle half as is.
It had been accepted that such a “unique and fluid” market, to quote an Anfield source, could lead to a late move.
However, the deals for Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota on Friday appear to have marked the end of spending.
Schalke’s Ozan Kabak has been linked, but it is understood that there has been no change in Liverpool’s stance since they initially linked up with the Turk in July.
Which focuses the attention on Koumetio for the immediate future of Liverpool’s defense.
With Lincoln City leading the way in the Carabao Cup, the teen can have his own goal of being part of the game day team on Thursday night.
Depending on the minor injury Klopp mentioned, it will be interesting to see where, if ready, Koumetio fits in in a busy week of soccer.
An Under-21 team is in action in Wigan on Tuesday before the seniors’ game in Lincoln is followed by a trip to Manchester United on Friday at the U23 level.
A £ 41m + deal has been agreed to bring the forward to Anfield from the Wolves, and he is set to play Jurgen Klopp.
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After all, Klopp is unlikely to risk both Van Dijk and Fabinho with Arsenal next in the Premier League and Gomez and Matip are still affected to varying degrees.
In the case of Matip, it is anticipated to be postponed for another month, raising further questions about its long-term durability.
Anfield insiders are reluctant to put too much weight of expectation on the young shoulders of a burgeoning talent in Koumetio.
Even if Klopp’s words suggested that it is now at least part of the thinking at the first team level.
It could be a great season for the teenager.
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