Liverpool tipped to sign the ‘next Dejan Lovren’ to replace Virgil Van Dijk

Liverpool want the next Lovren.

The unprecedented situation facing Liverpool at the moment is one perhaps no one foresaw coming. Even if its ominous portents had been laid bare during the summer transfer window.

Many saw the departure of Dejan Lovren as the right move by the club. The Croatian veteran had been a staunch servant, and had provided some memorable moments at Anfield. However, Lovren was also inconsistent and at times liable to make errors which would become costly for the club in the long term.

Nonetheless, the Reds decided not to replace the Croat this summer and went into the season which just three senior recognised centre-backs.

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It seemed unfathomable that Virgil Van Dijk would ever pick up an injury, but alas the club must now face the prospect of the Dutch ace not playing for the rest of the season.

That will put the club in a precarious position.

And with Matip and Gomez both prone to pick up injuries it could leave the Reds with scarce options to choose from.

Klopp therefore might chose to dip into the transfer market in January.

Speculation is rife about who the German should target. There has been numerous talks of the reds making a move for the former Red Bull Salzburg graduate Dayot Upamecano. However, renowned Liverpool journalist Sam Mcguire via Marginal Plains has thrown another name in the mix.

McGuire named Duje Caleta-Car as the perfect replacement for Virgil Van Dijk.

In a detailed analysis, McGuire analysed how Dejan Lovren’s compatriot, who has been dubbed to replace the former Liverpool defender in the national team, matches up astutely to Van Dijk’s style of play.

A towering defender Duje Caleta-Car has a commanding aerial presence which the Reds’ defence often lacks in the absence of Van Dijk.

More crucially, Duje Caleta-Car is also astute on the ball and has the ability to spray passed forward and instigate attacks from the back.

This is something which is crucial in Jurgen Klopp’s system.

Duje Caleta-Car’s name is perhaps not as renowned in world football as Upamecano’s. Undoubtedly the Croatian has not proved himself on the highest of stages. He will be facing Manchester City next week in the Champions League however which could be a good way to determine his ability and whether he would be ready for the challenge of playing at Liverpool.

What do you make of Sam McGuire’s analysis? Do you think Duje Caleta-Car would be a good signing?