Liverpool still have time to sign a centre-back, this is who they should target

(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Liverpool still have time to sign a centre back.

With Joel Matip still side-lined, Joe Gomez struggling for form and Dejan Lovren having departed Liverpool, the centre-back options are scarce at Anfield.

Rhys Williams has deputised well in the League Cup, but the reds cannot rely on the young defender.

Fabinho is also capable of playing in the role and did so without any qualms against Chelsea. However, another injury to Jordan Henderson and the Brazilian might be needed in midfield.

The Reds’ defensive frailties were duly exposed by Aston Villa in Sunday night’s defeat. The high defensive line deployed by Jurgen Klopp was run amok by the Villa attack and it raised question mark over the effectiveness of the tactic.

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Jamie Carragher was highly critical of Joe Gomez in particular who continued to attempt play the opposition offside with no avail.

It’s clear, the Reds need to bolster their defence if they are to compete on all fronts. While Dejan Lovren wasn’t a particularly reliable defender, Liverpool still need someone of similar ilk to make up the numbers.

The international transfer window might be coming to a close today which will limit Liverpool’s options, however, with the domestic window remaining open for the next two weeks, the club could still make another addition from the EFL.

One of the outstanding candidates would be Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock.

The English centre-back has had a rapid rise to the top from non-league to Dulwich Hamlet, Forest Green Rovers, Barnsley and is now excelling for the Bees in the Championship.

A fast, agile and tactically astute defender who is comfortable at playing the ball and a towering presence at the back, Ethan Pinnock could be a valuable fourth choice option for Jurgen Klopp. He’s also left footed which would complement Virgil Van Dijk well.

Pinnock was hugely impressive in Brentford’s recent 3-0 victory in the EFL Cup and has played a key role in the club’s impressive run to the quarter finals.

The fee might be a tough one to negotiate with Brentford likely to haggle, however with Michael Edwards at the helm there is no reason why the club wouldn’t be able to come to an agreement.

Do you think Ethan Pinnock would be a good signing?