The Liverpool Center Back Crisis: 3 Potential Solutions

The Kids are Alright (Shorter Term)

Jurgen Klopp has not been shy about giving youth a chance in his career. Generally speaking, if you’re good enough you’re old enough for Klopp. This time, however, the 53-year-old may have little choice.

Rhys Williams made his second Champions League appearance in as many games when Fabinho had to leave the pitch for further treatment. And while his performance was solidly composed, making a good interception and winning numerous balls in the air, it didn’t belie his tender years and lack of experience.

In the second half, Williams often did the sensible thing, lumping the ball forward hoping a man in red would get to the first or second ball. Compared to his teammates he is trying to replace, it shows that he doesn’t yet have Fabinho’s ability to bring the ball forward or pick a pass, and very few center backs in the world have van Dijk’s range of passing.

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There is a definite drop in quality, but Williams isn’t being tasked with helping Liverpool’s offense click into high gear so much as he is there to clear the ball out of dangerous situations.

Furthermore, Nat Phillips, who got first-team experience and football on loan at VfB Stuttgart last season, could come in from the start as the slightly more experienced youth option. Philips, like Williams, offers little going forward, but from previous game experience in cup matches, he seems to be good in the air.

Like Williams, he is 6’3″ and more than capable of beating a man in the air, which is such an important part of Liverpool’s game plan. Pep Ljinders, Liverpool number two, recently said in a press conference: “As a pressing team you have to accept a lot of long balls and second balls, so it’s important you have centre-backs who are good in the air so they can win the first challenge.”

Williams has won 12 of his 17 contested aerial duels, a success rate of 70.6%. Van Dijk, one of the best aerial defenders in the world has a success rate of 74.2%, while Gomez has a success rate of just 62.8%. Whoever fills in to pair with Gomez will need to be able to win balls in the air and be alert to the second ball.