Lawrenson identifies key problem in £50m-rated Liverpool target Ben White

Liverpool have been linked with Ben White of Brighton but Mark Lawrenson has some concerns

Former Liverpool star Mark Lawrenson has shared his views on Ben White and the possibility of the youngster moving to the Reds.

White spent last season on loan at Leeds United and helped them gain promotion to the Premier League. The 23-year-old has featured in all the Premier League games for Brighton and impressed a lot.

Liverpool are still keen on Ben White — Ben White of Brighton in action during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

However, moving to Liverpool is a different task. The Reds are in a bit of a dilemma after Virgil van Dijk injured his knee in the Merseyside Derby.

The Dutch defender is expected to be out for a while and Liverpool haven’t shared a timeline for his return.

White, who is valued by Brighton at £50m, has been linked with the Reds. Lawrenson, for his part, isn’t surprised by all this as he spoke to Argus (h/t Daily Star):

“It is not surprising he has been mentioned with the likes of Liverpool looking at him. I’m sure they are looking at him and why wouldn’t you?

“You only want to see that because then you see how he recovers.”

The ex-Red added that the time to judge the youngster is when he gives the ball away. Lawrenson went on to say that White is improving with each game but that he wasn’t convinced completely.

Ben White has signed a new contract with Brighton (Image credit: Getty)

Champions League calling

Liverpool have become regulars in the Champions League these days and Lawrenson wasn’t certain that White could cut it at the European stage:

“Say the likes of Liverpool are looking at him, it would be a long-term thing and I think you’d want to watch him week in and week out and see him against the very top players.

“You’re talking Champions League and therein lies the difference. There is no doubt he is going to be more than comfortable in the Premier League.

“But it’s like all the other names which have been bandied about. Will any of those players be good enough for the Champions League?”

The Reds didn’t replace Dejan Lovren in the summer and that has come back to hurt us. Jurgen Klopp has had to shift Fabinho to the heart of the defence and the Brazilian is doing a great job there.

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The problem with our centre-backs is that Joe Gomez and Joel Matip haven’t stayed 100% fit throughout the past two seasons. Should the pair be out for a long time this season, Klopp would have to move in the winter window.