Why Liverpool must sign Arsenal flop star Shkodran Mustafi

According to Sunday World (h/t Express), Liverpool have been linked with a rather shock move for Shkodran Mustafi. The Reds have no senior centre-backs and with time running out in the January transfer window, the name of the Arsenal man has been mooted as a stop-gap solution.

Liverpool need to sign at least one centre-back

As Fabinho and Jordan Henderson lined up in defence against Southampton and Manchester United, it was clear that Liverpool had reached the bottom of the barrel. Without even one recognised senior centre-back in the side, the two midfielders had to play in defence. The result wasn’t really surprising.

They were given some hope as Joel Matip returned against Tottenham but that was short-lived with the Cameroonian walking out with an ankle injury (h/t NBC Sports). That was compounded with Fabinho’s injury which means that there are no players who can play in defence other than youngsters Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips.

From being clear favourites last season during this time to handing the initiative to both Manchester clubs within a few weeks, Liverpool have been hit hard this season. For large parts of their dominating season last year, they had very few injuries to deal with. It has all come flooding this season, with most of their first-choice defenders being out for significant chunks of the season.

Mustafi may just be what Liverpool need to resort to

It’s simple logic that something is better than nothing. Liverpool could well be without any senior central defenders for a while and that is a recipe for disaster. The Reds have already fallen behind in their title defence while a stern test awaits them in the Champions League.

Mustafi has had a tough time for Arsenal since joining them. There have been moments of solid defending but largely it has been a case of sub-par showings. He has been too error-prone for a defender of a club of Arsenal’s stature.

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While that does not make for a good elevator pitch for Liverpool to buy into, they could ultimately have to resort to signing Mustafi. They need to sign at least one senior centre-back so as to not expose the likes of Williams and Phillips regularly.

Jurgen Klopp has gone on to say that the club have been on the lookout for a defender who fits the requirements (h/t The Guardian). Now at a crucial point in the season, Liverpool may just have to go ahead with a deal for the much maligned Mustafi.