FSG signs new Van Dijk

Liverpool might welcome Galatasaray to Merseyside subsequent Wednesday, the place they lead 1-0 within the Champions League final 16, however Anfield can be hoping Arne Slott’s aspect will totally assault their opponents.

If they’re to succeed, Liverpool can not afford to make the errors that noticed them underperform of their second defeat of the season in opposition to Istanbul at Rams Park this week.

For those who break down the Reds’ issues this season, you will discover a lot of them on show Tuesday. In assault, Liverpool have been lackluster and directionless. Errors have been rife on the again and Slot’s aspect have been as soon as once more damaged by a set-piece that slipped via an beginner defence.

Ibrahima Konate has had no scarcity of criticism this season, however the France worldwide stays one of the crucial proficient centre-backs within the Premier League. Nonetheless, he has had his worst kind in Turkey, placing one other query mark over his future at Liverpool.

Newest info on Konate’s future at Liverpool

Liverpool made important adjustments in the summertime switch window, however Slott’s second season was negatively affected by his failure to signal Marc Guehi regardless of reaching the highest of his recreation.

As a companion of Giovanni Leoni who injured his anterior cruciate ligament on his debut in opposition to Southampton, there’s a actual concern. Subsequent, contemplate the truth that they will not have a brand new senior middle again this winter, which is a headache.

Konate has waxed and waned all year long and has been cited as one of many keys to Liverpool’s collapse earlier than Christmas this season. The truth that he was so irreplaceable from begin to end speaks volumes about FSG’s errors.

And naturally, the 26-year-old is out of contract on the finish of the season after sporting director Richard Hughes was unable to interrupt via the negotiating barrier. Actual Madrid attracted the eye of the Frenchman, however withdrew from the competitors after too many failures on Konate’s aspect.

The error-filled recreation at Galatasaray was a reminder that the defender presently lacks the composure and consistency wanted to keep up a great partnership with 34-year-old captain Virgil van Dijk.

By way of numbers, Liverpool might want to retain his providers, however it may very well be price wiping out a clear slate and signing a substitute this summer season, particularly if Hughes and others are already transferring to signal a brand new star centre-half.

Liverpool have already signed new signing Van Dijk

Liverpool did not usher in any elite expertise to their squad in January, however they weren’t lazy by any means. The e-book added quite a lot of up-and-coming teenage stars who might land large roles sooner or later.

Jeremy Jacquet could not but be taking part in in Liverpool colours, however an settlement has been reached for the 20-year-old to stay at Rennes for the rest of his spell.

There have been a variety of accidents at Anfield this season. In actual fact, it is so contagious that Jacquet seems to have contracted the virus after signing a doc this winter. He underwent shoulder surgical procedure final month and can be racing to get match for the beginning of preseason.

Though it is a setback, Jacquet has already constructed a formidable popularity in his house nation and is a key a part of Rennes’ backline, combining an aggressive, front-footed fashion with a pure aptitude on the ball.

Though he’s thought-about to be just like Konate, Jaquet is definitely anticipated to do large issues, with the potential to develop right into a centre-back to rival Van Dijk sooner or later and among the best gamers on the earth.

His youth and inexperience don’t hinder his high quality play in Ligue 1, and he not solely gives a troublesome problem, but additionally has confidence on the ball and may deftly modify the timing of his defence.

It is price noting that Jacquet himself just isn’t with out errors. However he’s six years Konate’s junior and is just in his second season of normal top-level soccer.

Might he actually turn into Liverpool’s new Van Dijk? It is too early to say that definitively. Nonetheless, Jaquet is among the most proficient younger defenders on the earth and, in accordance with analyst and scout Ben Mattinson, has the potential to be a top-five centre-back on the earth.

With Leoni recovering from harm and FSG prepared to signal a brand new centre-back, there’s a good probability that Jaquet will exchange Konate.

On this respect, Liverpool might have created a celebrity with the identical qualities as Konate, however with the potential to equal or exceed Van Dijk.