Why Liverpool should sign Jannik Vestergaard to ease defensive woes

According to Hampshire Live, Liverpool have been urged to sign Jannik Vestergaard by former Arsenal defender, Martin Keown. He claims that he has not seen a better central defender this season than Vestergaard. Keown feels that Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp should sign the Southampton man to ease their defensive problems.

Liverpool need at least one new central defender

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

From being clear favourites last season during this time to handing the initiative to Manchester United 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.

The injuries to Van Dijk and Joe Gomez have somewhat crippled the side and it has shown this season. They have already lost two games this season and have dropped more points with draws.

It was always going to be the scenario when your best defender is ruled out for the season with an ACL injury. While it looks imperative that the club needs to bring in a new central defender in January, Jurgen Klopp has ruled out the same (h/t Daily Mail).

Vestergaard looks a good fit for Liverpool

Remember what happened when Liverpool last signed a centre-back from Southampton? Their fortunes changed and he turned out to be one of the best ever signings in the club’s history. While Jannik Vestergaard may not be a full-scale replica of Van Dijk, he does give a good impression with his qualities.

When Jannik Vestergaard arrived in England, not many knew what to expect. The 27-year-old was a defender mostly experienced in the Bundesliga. While he did slot seamlessly into the side, it was his sophomore season that really stood out as difficult for him. He had fallen behind every defender in the team.

Yet as this season started, Vestergaard was given the chance to prove himself and he has taken that with both hands. Since the Tottenham debacle, the Saints have lost one game and have somehow managed to nick 8 wins from 17, sitting 6th in the table.

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It is clear that Vestergaard has established himself as a vital player for the team. With his contract set to end in 2022, Liverpool would be wise enough to make an approach for Vestergaard.