It’s funny how quickly a transfer window turns into a shopping list, but there’s a logic to it. When you strip away the names and just talk profiles, Liverpool don’t feel a million miles off. They feel a couple of the right decisions away from having proper options again.
On the centre-back front, I’m not getting carried away with talk of Marc Guehi arriving in January. Maybe it’s possible in some alternate universe where every negotiation is easy and nobody digs their heels in, but it doesn’t feel like one to bank on.
Centre-back depth that actually changes the shape
The more interesting point is the idea of adding two defenders with different uses. One of Jacquet or Ordonez, plus Schlotterbeck, isn’t just “more bodies”. That’s a genuine change in what you can do with your build-up, your cover, and how you manage games across a long season.
Schlotterbeck, in particular, sounds like the sort of signing that gives you flexibility rather than just competition. Left-back or left-sided centre-back, fine. But it’s the knock-on effects that matter: better angles in possession, a steadier base when you’re pushing the line up, and another way to control transitions when matches get messy.
And yes, there’s a specific void supporters keep circling back to: the feeling that we’re missing a certain kind of outlet and organiser since Trent left. You can’t replace that with a like-for-like because there isn’t one. You replace it by building different solutions into the squad.
Wingers: goals are great, but so is helping others
Antoine Semenyo is a good example of the debate. He looks like a goalscorer, and you don’t turn your nose up at goals. Still, if you’re thinking about how Liverpool’s front line works at its best, you want a winger who presses properly, connects play, and makes the lad next to him better as much as he finishes chances himself.
That’s not a criticism, more a question of fit. Do we need another forward who wants the shot, or someone a bit more selfless who creates and keeps the tempo high out of possession? Harder question than it sounds, because those players are not easy to find.
Minteh is interesting, but I’m not fully sold either. Sometimes “interesting” is just another way of saying “could be anything”.
The big one: a proper defensive midfielder
The position that keeps flashing red is the defensive midfielder. Call it a six, call it a destroyer, call it the lad who stops everything catching fire. We desperately need that profile.
Even with a poor season, I still like the idea of Baleba. And if it isn’t him, then the mention of Agoume or Bouaddi speaks to the same point: we need someone who can win duels, screen the centre-backs, and let the rest of the midfield play with a bit more freedom.
It might sound greedy. Truth is, it’s just squad reality.
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Liverpool News Views offers daily Liverpool coverage including match reaction, transfer analysis, EFL context, tactical breakdowns and opinion-led articles written by supporters for supporters.
