Db Torino 02/12/2020 - Champions League / Juventus-Dinamo Kiev / foto Daniele Buffa/Image nella foto: Merih Demiral PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxITA
According to Mirror, Merih Demiral is the latest centre-back to be linked to Liverpool ever since their defensive crisis. All of the Reds’ senior central defenders are out with injuries while the duo of Van Dijk and Joe Gomez are ruled out for the long term. Demiral, who hasn’t had much luck at Juventus, could be prised away from the Italian side for £45million.
It would be an understatement to say that Liverpool have been rather lucky with injuries in previous seasons. They could play their first choice team on most occasions and that led to a lot of success. Finally, it seems that the luck has run out as they have been hit by one injury after the other, mostly in defence.
Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez, two of their starting centre-backs, have been ruled out for the majority of this season. Even the likes of Matip and Fabinho suffered injuries earlier, from which they have recovered. However, Matip’s constant injuries have meant that Liverpool went into the Southampton game without a recognised centre-back in the starting XI.
As expected, it cost them the game. While Henderson and Fabinho were not to blame for the goal, it does not bode well for the side that they are in this situation. They have already given the title initiative to Manchester United, who can leapfrog them with a win or draw against Burnley.
The tough-tackling defender has shown that he can cut it at the highest level in the limited chances he has got at Juventus. At just 22, he would be a promising signing for Liverpool even after the current season.
Signing Demiral will first of all offer Jurgen Klopp a much-needed option in defence. Moreover, he is still young and can develop further under the German manager. Having proved his credentials at the back for both club and country in such a short period, he could be an excellent signing for the short as well as long term.