Liverpool might regret summer transfer decision as new light shed on Andre Trindade stance

Does Liverpool’s lack of interest in signing a new midfielder in January extend to their defense as well?

Liverpool were left emotionally strained and wounded in the summer of 2020 due to their failure to acquire a new center-back.

Thankfully, the academy graduate Jarell Quansah has contributed to the prevention of a recurrence of last season’s situation by serving as a substitute for a senior contingent that also includes Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joel Matip.

In reality, the situation is in stark contrast to three years ago, when Liverpool were unable to acquire a replacement for Dejan Lovren after his £12 million transfer to Zenit St. Petersburg, as all five are available to play. As Van Dijk, Gomez, and Matip were successively sidelined by season-ending injuries, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson were instead called upon to step up. Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies were subsequently loaned in, and ultimately, Jurgen Klopp opted for an unconventional pairing of Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams.

It was evident from the performances of the latter two that they would not be viable long-term options at Anfield. In contrast, Quansah has performed admirably in his first eight appearances for the club alongside senior alternatives.

Given that both Matip is approaching his 30th birthday and Van Dijk is past his contract with the Reds, there is no reason to doubt that the England Under-21s international will maintain his position at center-back for the foreseeable future.

However, just because Quansah has stood up to the plate does not mean that Liverpool are not suffering as a result of their failure to bolster their roster during the offseason.

“With the exception of goalkeeping, we are currently examining every department,” Klopp told reporters in May. “I would not deny the existence of a good one (centre-back) if one were to present itself.” Simply put, that is all. Undoubtedly, we evaluate every aspect of the pitch.

The Reds were linked with the transfers of Levi Colwill and Micky van de Ven, and their target was a youthful, left-sided central defender. In contrast to his performance when performing with his left foot, Quansah struggles with his right foot.

A player of this caliber must establish himself as a viable long-term replacement for Van Dijk. At the midterm, Matip is to be replaced. However, this would be for the short-term, as Liverpool continues to utilize Trent Alexander-Arnold as an inverted right-back, thereby creating a hybrid left-back option.

Andy Robertson appeared to be an uneasy match in that position in April, when the Reds first implemented the new system. Alexander-Arnold found his footing primarily after adjustments were made that required him to remain out wide or shift to center-back rather than simply advancing into midfield. This allowed him to continue attacking rather than merely forming a back three by moving infield.

However, since the Scotland international suffered a shoulder dislocation during the October international break and is anticipated to miss the New Year undergoing surgery, Liverpool’s failure to acquire their desired defensive option in the summer has become more forgivable.

Kostas Tsimikas, the substitute, has failed to impress in Robertson’s absence; the Greek is even more aggressive than the Scot and a considerably less at ease hybrid full-back.

Following his early signing of a new long-term contract at Anfield earlier this season, the 27-year-old was substituted shortly after the hour mark in the 2-0 victory over Everton. Blues manager Sean Dyche maintained that he should have been booked at the very least.

Subsequently, in lieu of Luke Chambers, he was substituted for Klopp during the 5-1 triumph over Toulouse. However, he returned for the 3-0 triumph over Nottingham Forest and, unexpectedly, maintained his starting position for the 2-1 League Cup triumph at AFC Bournemouth.

Following this, Gomez was substituted for Tsimikas at left-back against Luton Town last weekend, and Liverpool labored greatly on the left flank due to a severe lack of width. However, despite being introduced in the 67th minute, the Greek barely supplied the missing components.

Despite making his return to the starting lineup against Toulouse on Thursday, it was his error that allowed the Ligue 1 club to score first. Subsequently, he was substituted for Gomez at halftime, who moved to left-back; it is currently uncertain which player will start on Sunday against Brentford.

The extended absence of Robertson was expected to provide Tsimikas with the longest run in the Liverpool squad during his tenure, but he has thus far been unable to capitalize on the opportunity. Had Gomez been inherently left-handed or had Chambers achieved the same level of success as Quansah after graduating from the Academy, the Greek’s audition would have been a complete failure.

Undoubtedly, upon his recovery from injury, Robertson will be reinstated as the primary selection. However, should the Reds decide to reassess their pursuit of a left-sided central defender, whether in January or later, Tsimikas would have every cause to be concerned about the potential ramifications of such a signing on his career at Anfield.

While continuing rumors linked Liverpool with Andre Trindade of Flumninense and Wataru Endo of VfB Stuttgart, club sources dismissed the possibility of Liverpool acquiring a new holding midfielder in January earlier this week. This is in contrast to the club’s acquisition of Wataru Endo from VfB Stuttgart in the summer.

The Japan international joined the club as part of a £150 million engine room restructure, during which club management sought to remedy such deficiencies in the midfield. However, since the Reds failed to acquire a desired new defender in the summer, it is questionable whether the same stance regarding midseason transfers pertains to their final line of defense.

Ultimately, if Matip decides to move on the following summer, they will be required to acquire a new defender in 2024.

Obviously, Tsimikas will maintain starting opportunities in the coming weeks as Klopp continues to alter his lineup. However, since his spot in the squad is so uncertain, such rotation might not be on a weekly basis if he had been stepping up to the occasion.

Although Liverpool desires the best of both worlds with this new formation, it does not assist him. A quick, left-sided defender who is also defensively sound and vigilant enough to maintain composure in a defensive back three. Strong offensively, both when rushing down the flank and delivering crosses into the box. Although Robertson was physically fit, it was never ideal.

However, in light of the Scot’s impending return and the January transfer window, the deputy left-back must now justify being awarded that new long-term contract. Sink or swim moment for Tsimikas, who is still playing for a long-term future with Liverpool, following an unconvincing campaign thus far.