The defensive problems for Liverpool are so well known that every time there’s a discussion around Premier League games, these issues crop up. What’s more, every analyst throws up some names that would improve our squad.
The latest one to join that list is Arsenal legend Alan Smith who has indicated that Liverpool should sign former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans from West Brom in the January transfer window. (Sky Sports h/t The Sport Review)
The Reds have been struggling defensively all through the season after the failed pursuit of Virgil van Dijk in the summer. It was another matter that we had enough time to sign another defender, but Jurgen Klopp chose to stick with Van Dijk, which didn’t materialise.
We have one of the best-attacking units in the entire Premier League which is led by Mohamed Salah. The summer signing has already scored 13 times in his 16 opening Premier League games for Liverpool this season and is looking set for a lot more.
However, at the other end of the pitch we have been generous and have leaked 20 goals already. This is largely due to the poor performances of defensive duo Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan.
We have been linked with signing the Southampton defender Van Dijk in the winter transfer window, but Smith believes that the Northern Ireland international Evans would be a great addition to Klopp’s squad.
He was asked on Sky Sports News on Friday (h/t The Sport Review) if he sees Evans joining the Anfield outfit and Smith was affirmative in his answer.
“Yes I could (see Jonny Evans signing), definitely, definitely. I think it will be hard for West Brom if the money was right.
“Jonny’s a really solid citizen as well, you know what you are getting with him coming into the dressing room. He’s a good lad, highly experienced, knows what it’s about playing for a big club at Manchester United. It’s a no-brainer for a few managers I think that.”
Evans was a Red Devil for 11 seasons and won three Premier League titles with the Old Trafford outfit. He was one of the top defenders in Europe when on song and was even linked with a move to Barcelona many times during his career.
Though his career nosedived towards the end of his United spell, Evans resurrected it at West Brom since moving there in 2015 and was even linked with a move to Arsenal and Manchester City.
Should Liverpool go for Evans? I wouldn’t mind signing him because he is more than a decent player and would improve the squad. The only thing we should do is not keep our hopes only on Van Dijk and then be left red-faced after the failure to secure his signature.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h60swaZlVIY
