Liverpool could also be lining up Alexander Isaac’s explosive sluggish actions within the ongoing switch market, however for Arne Slot and Co, additional strengthening shouldn’t be a precedence.
In any case, regardless of including Milos Kerkez and Jeremy Fripon to their ranks, the Reds’ protection appears to be like worse than final season.
Trent Alexander Arnold and Jarrell Quanza each left, Joe Gomez was injured and Eve Conate was capable of comply with Trent and Actual Madrid.
In consequence, Slot needed to tinker along with his backline in the course of the preseason. Wataru Finish, Ryan Gravenberch and Younger Trey Nyoni have performed on the centre of protection in current matches.
They want somebody to associate Van Dik as Liverpool desires of sustaining their Premier League title this season.
Seek for a brand new centre half in Liverpool
On the centre of protection, the Reds have gained two main targets this summer season.
They first noticed Dean Huyssen’s grand admiration from Bournemouth, however they had been as soon as once more aggravated with Madrid. The Spaniards needed nothing however the true factor, and he returned to his hometown.
Mark Guehi is one other precedence goal for Liverpool, and based on stories, they are going to step up their pursuit of Crystal Palace captain after Sunday’s Neighborhood Protect.
Valued at £45 million, they are going to be discussing with the Eagles about signing centre-backs earlier than the September 1 deadline.
However he’s not the one defender on the membership’s radar. Actually, based on Soccer Espanna, Barcelona star Ronald Araujo has emerged as an possibility.
They’ve revealed that Chelsea, Liverpool and the Spurs have additionally proven “severe curiosity” on the 26-year-old. Manchester United can be mentioned to have a “long-term curiosity” in Barca’s defenders.
How Ronald Araujo compares to Mark Guech
For simply £45 million, bringing Guehi to Anfield is a good enterprise. He’s 25 years previous and is approaching his prime. He has a confirmed observe document within the Premier League and has a palace of captains. He’s a pure chief.
There are few cons to signal such a confirmed participant for the remainder of the week of the window, together with the nice costs which might be supplied. He should have been operating rapidly throughout the bottom.
However Araujo is an actual elite defender and has proven a lot lately to one of many best golf equipment on the land.
The legendary centre-back Karl Spyol describes himself as “top-of-the-line defenders on this planet.” Araujo may very well be a terrific market alternative for Liverpool.
He can play in the midst of protection, however he’s additionally succesful at proper again. After lacking the primary half of the 2024/25 marketing campaign with a hamstring damage, the defender performed 24 occasions at centre-back and performed the lead function within the again as Barcelona reached the Champions League semi-finals.
Not like Guehi, he performs at a really excessive degree, taking part in seven occasions at proper again within the final two seasons.
So, what makes him stand out?
Araujo vs Guehi (League solely) 2024/25 | ||
|---|---|---|
Stat (per 90 minutes) | Araujo | Guehi |
The go is full | 79.3 | 43.3 |
Cross accuracy % | 92% | 84% |
Key Cross | 0.48 | 0.47 |
Progressive Cross | 5.83 | 3.94 |
Progressive Carry | 0.71 | 0.65 |
I attempted taking it | 0.12 | 0.44 |
The sort out gained | 1.07 | 1.00 |
Intercept | 1.07 | 0.82 |
A duel gained | 3.93 | 2.00 |
Statistics by way of FBREF. | ||
Final yr, Araujo has proven that he’s an elite defender of many metrics. He ranks on the highest 2% of positionally comparable gamers in Europe’s high 5 leagues, earned over 90 minutes in Europe’s high 5 leagues.
Within the air, he clearly passes forward of Guehi. His passing success price of 92% improves Guehi and ensures that Barca Stalwart ranks inside 12% of one of the best centre-backs in Europe for its metrics.
Araujo, an airborne beast, additionally has the power to play from behind, making it good for the backline of slots.
It’s lower from an analogous material to Virgil van Dyke when it comes to his physicality. If Conate departs for the Bernabéu, there are few higher alternate options across the continent.
