Liverpool’s 2015-16 season took many topsy turvy turns and it was another inconsistent season to say the least where inexperience was on show in the crucial matches. The reds froze on the biggest stage in the Europa League final and that second half changed the entire complexion of the season. Had that match been won, Klopp’s men would have been playing in the Champions League next season, but now face another hiatus from Europe.
It will now be even more difficult to attract top players to the club without European competitions and the club and the manager have to work over time to find targets and work on securing their services. One damning stat from this season is that the reds have lost most points from a winning position than any other side in the Premier League. Holding on to a lead requires experience and Liverpool lack that in defense.
Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho have stood out as a pair under Jurgen Klopp but collectively there is no leader in that defense line who can guide them in such situations. Alberto Moreno is young and has made far too many mistakes and Simon Mignolet has been well, average. Clyne has stood out but he is not the type of character who can take responsibility and guide the team to safety. Since Jamie Carragher and then Daniel Agger, the reds have lacked a solid centre back who can lead the side from the front.
In comes Thomas Vermaelen who has been reported to be a target for the Reds this summer. The 30 year old has an injury plagued time at Barcelona and the Catalans are looking to sell the former Arsenal captain. Vermaelen was touted as the next big thing when he arrived in England from Ajax but he has been really unlucky with his injuries. He is a ball playing defender and his knack of scoring goals at crucial situations has proved handy in the past.
His first season at Arsenal was brilliant where he scored eight goals in 45 appearances. He won Arsenal player of the month twice and was also in the PFA team of the season. Vermaelen is versatile and can play as a left back too. This can work in favour for the reds as Liverpool are in the market for a left club to provide some competition for Moreno. Vermaelen can play both positions and has enough experience in the league.
Vermaelen also is a leader since his time at Ajax and also for the gunners. He has captained his national side Belgium too and has made 50 appearances for the senior side. With Kolo Toure and Martin Skrtel set to leave the club and Sakho’s future hanging in balance due to his ongoing case at UEFA, the reds must buy a centre back to provide competition to Dejan Lovren and the new man, Joel Matip and also provide much needed leadership at the back. His ability to play left back will also be favourable for the reds and if he can just stay fit, he can become a very good buy for Liverpool.
