Every time a defender gets linked with Liverpool, the same thing happens. A clip gets shared, a pundit has a strong opinion, and suddenly half the fanbase is arguing like it’s personal. Truth is, I’ve never really understood why people get so wound up about what a talking head says on a studio sofa.
What matters is whether the player looks like he’d improve us, and whether the profile makes sense. On that front, I get why Marc Guehi is a name plenty of Reds would be happy to see turn into something real.
The aerial question and why it matters
If I’m being honest, I was 50/50 on him last summer. Not because he can’t defend, but because the one big doubt was in the air. Liverpool’s centre-halves don’t just have to be tidy on the ball. They’ve got to deal with the grimy side too: set pieces, second balls, and the constant barrage teams throw at you once they’re under pressure.
This season, though, he looks like he’s grown into that side of the job. There’s a bit more presence about him, and not in a forced way. It feels like he’s taking ownership of his space rather than reacting to what’s happening around him.
The numbers you mentioned back up what the eye is picking up: a 20% improvement in aerial duel success, and 71% won so far, the same as Konate. You don’t need to drown in spreadsheets to understand what that suggests. He’s not just competing, he’s winning his share.
Authority is a skill in itself
Some defenders have all the physical tools but never quite look like they’re in charge. The best ones do. Van Dijk has made a career out of calm dominance, and Liverpool have been built on that kind of leadership from the back.
Guehi, at his best, gives off that vibe. He looks like he’s playing with authority, which is sometimes the cleanest compliment you can give a centre-half. Not flashy. Just solid, switched on, and comfortable being the one who sets the line and tells others where to stand.
Where Konate stands in the conversation
Konate’s obviously got huge qualities, but I understand the point about his mindset. There are moments where he can look like an academy player trying to prove himself, rather than a lad who knows he belongs at this level. That can show up in little things: decision-making, body shape, when to step in and when to hold.
That’s not a write-off, it’s just where he’s at. And it’s also why the idea of adding another top-level centre-half doesn’t feel like a luxury. It feels like squad building.
So if Liverpool did land Guehi, I’d be pleased. Not because anyone on telly said it, but because he looks like the natural long-term successor to Van Dijk in terms of where he plays, how he carries himself, and the leadership you want behind the press.
Related Articles
About Liverpool News Views
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.
