Liverpool showing keen interest in Marc Guehi and Jarrad Branthwaite

Liverpool’s interest in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is causing quite a stir, and for good reason. Even though Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have been rock-solid, having more depth at the back is crucial.

According to The Express, the Reds ‘eye a £140m’ double swoop for the players, but let’s get real. Liverpool? Actually spending so much money in one window? We can only hope for that to come true someday or another.

We’ve seen how lacking a bit of quality on the bench can hurt us in the past, like in the 2020/21 and 2022/23 seasons. Joe Gomez is versatile and can slot in anywhere along the backline, and young Jarell Quansah has potential, but we need more options.

Van Dijk’s contract is up at the end of this season (Transfermarkt). While we all hope he sticks around longer, he’s 33 now. He’s still playing at a high level, but we can’t ignore that he won’t be around forever. Gomez and Quansah haven’t been getting many minutes under Arne Slot, not because they’re not good enough, but because Slot prefers to play the best possible players. Depth is crucial when we opt for that selection style because with that comes fatigue, and we can’t afford to be caught short again.

Let’s start with Marc Guehi. The 24-year-old Crystal Palace captain has been a standout since he moved from Chelsea in 2021. He’s got great positioning and leadership skills, which make up for him not being the tallest defender out there. Guehi’s sense of where to be and when is top-notch. He’s a natural leader and has his best years ahead of him.

He ranks among the high-percentile centre-backs for successful take-ons and clearances per 90 as per FBRef. He’s also in the 76th and 75th percentile respectively for assists and shot-creating actions per 90. In the recently concluded Euros, Guehi was among England’s most consistent performers. Even though he went under the radar, it is somewhat okay because defenders are more likely to attract eyes if they commit mistakes. So if a defender does not create a lot of noise in the media but is still managing to gain plaudits, it is likely that he’s a bloody good centre-half.

Distribution-wise as well, as already mentioned, he has so many shot-creating actions which will for sure help in the way the Reds like to build out from the back. Play that diag out to the winger, like Virgil to Salah. That pass is one of the hallmarks of modern-day Liverpool. Over the midfield, out to the winger. From him, it is a touch and run with the full-back who will trigger a break in the lines for other attackers to exploit and you’ll have a goal more often than not in this situation, especially with how blessed Liverpool are in terms of individual quality.

He’s a centre-back who has the potential to rival Van Dijk, not just in terms of sheer strength but also in the smoothness and efficiency of his defensive skills. This player exhibits a rare combination of physical power and graceful precision, attributes that are crucial for a top-tier defender. Van Dijk has set a high benchmark with his robust yet elegant style of play, and it’s exciting to see another player emerging who could reach that level. The blend of brawn and finesse in his defensive approach is something to behold, and it’s this balance that could make him a formidable force in the backline, much like Van Dijk. Signing Guehi could be a smart move for Liverpool, offering both quality now and potential for the future.

Now, onto Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton. The idea of Liverpool doing business with Everton might seem bonkers, especially for a key player like Branthwaite. The Toffees turned down a hefty £45m+ offer from Manchester United, valuing him closer to £70m+, similar to Guehi. Branthwaite was crucial in helping Everton stay up last season. He’s a physically robust but agile defender, great in the air and quick to cover space.

Branthwaite’s game has evolved quite a bit. He spent the season before last on loan at PSV, a side known for their possession-based style of play, which is miles away from Everton’s more defensive approach. At the Dutch side, he showed he could play a more controlled game, keeping the ball and being part of building from the back. This experience showcases his versatility and ability to adapt to different styles. That alone, deserves calls of him being a top-level defender.

The Merseyside Derby angle makes Branthwaite’s potential move even more interesting. It’s not often you see Liverpool and Everton doing business, especially for a player as important as Branthwaite. With so much history between the sides, only thirteen players have managed to cross over Stanley Park into the dressing room of the other side since WW2.

The rivalry adds an extra layer of complexity, but it also makes the potential signing all the more exciting. Imagine snatching one of their best young talents—it’d be a real statement. The interest from other clubs, particularly Manchester United, complicates things. United’s failed bid for Branthwaite indicates the competition Liverpool might face. However, our current position at the top of the league could give us an edge in attracting top talent. If we maintain this momentum until January, securing a player like Branthwaite or Guehi could solidify our title push.

Liverpool’s defensive depth has been a recurring issue. The 2020/21 season was marred by injuries to key defenders, exposing our lack of quality backups. Similarly, the 2022/23 season highlighted the need for reinforcements. This history underscores the importance of having robust options available on the bench. Slot’s emphasis on playing the best possible players rather than rotating for the sake of game time reflects a pragmatic approach, but the necessity for depth is ever-present.

Gomez and Quansah, despite their potential, haven’t seen much action. Gomez, with his versatility, can cover various positions in the backline, but he’s not a specialist centre-back like Van Dijk or Konate. Quansah, though promising, is still developing and might not be ready for a consistent starting role. Bringing in someone like Guehi or Branthwaite would not only provide immediate cover but also offer long-term stability.

The need for reinforcements is further accentuated by the current market dynamics. Prices for top defenders are soaring, and securing quality talent is becoming increasingly challenging. Guehi and Branthwaite are both young and have their best years ahead of them. Investing in either player now could save Liverpool from future transfer market uncertainties.

Furthermore, the potential departure of Van Dijk, whether at the end of his contract or a few years down the line, means Liverpool must prepare. Van Dijk has been integral to our success, and replacing him will be no easy task. However, starting the process now, by integrating a player like Guehi or Branthwaite, would ease the transition.

All in all, both players offer unique qualities that could enhance the squad. While Guehi brings leadership and positional awareness, Branthwaite offers physicality and agility. The rivalry angle with Everton adds excitement to Branthwaite’s potential signing, but Guehi’s straightforward availability makes him an appealing target. As Liverpool aim to maintain their position at the top of the league and make a strong push for silverware, securing defensive reinforcements is crucial. Hopefully, we are as close as possible to the title, possibly winning it, with at least one of these two in our lineup. YNWA!