Ex-Liverpool star gives his verdict on club’s defensive needs in the summer

It’s been a fantastic season for Arne Slot and Liverpool as they have powered through to the Premier League title, sealing the deal with four games left to play.

Slot inherited a squad built by Jurgen Klopp with the only noticeable transfer being that of Federico Chiesa. One of the major tasks for the Reds was to manage the expiring contracts of three stalwarts - Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Salah and van Dijk have both signed new deals. Alexander-Arnold, on the other hand, is expected to become a free agent and sign for Real Madrid.

Despite comfortably winning the league title, the consensus is that Liverpool need to strengthen their bench and thus, have been linked to a whole host of names, especially on the defensive side. We got in touch with ex-Anfield star Jermaine Pennant who discussed the Reds’ potential transfer targets.

Dean Huijsen - the perfect partner for Virgil van Dijk

As per reports, Liverpool’s primary defensive target is Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, who is also on Chelsea, Real Madrid and Arsenal’s radar. As per Pennant, the Spanish defender would be the perfect partner for Virgil van Dijk, because of his comfort with the ball at his feet.

"Dean Huijsen has had a good season at Bournemouth and he's in a mid-table team that's doing well."

"And we've seen over the years whoever plays alongside Virgil, they become a better player because Virgil helps so much with communication."

"So if you have two good ball playing defenders it gives the opposition a lot of trouble as well. Konate isn't really good with the ball on his feet. So if you've got two players like that, that gives the opposition a problem as to who they press out of possession."

Pennant further adds that Huijsen can go on to be a starter for Liverpool considering Ibrahima Konate’s struggles with injuries.

"So I think Huijsen would be a good fit. He's been linked with Liverpool and we need some cover as Konate is injury-prone. The rumours that Liverpool have been linked with, it only makes them stronger."

Who replaces Trent? Conor Bradley or Jeremie Frimpong

With Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure seeming imminent, replacing him will be a major task for the Liverpool board. An internal solution exists in the form of Conor Bradley and Pennant is of the belief that he can grow into that role, but would need to avoid getting injured.

“With Conor you get the balance. He may not have the same passing range, vision or assist ratio as Trent, but he will give you that defensive structure. He is probably better defensively than Trent.”

“At the same time he can get forward to give Salah the space. It’s good that they have a player like him to take over from Trent if he leaves, but I would still like to see him go a full season without injuries.”

Considering the fitness issue with Bradley, Pennant thinks Liverpool should look to bring in Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen as his profile would fit Slot’s squad both as a full-back and as a winger.

“So, I would like to see a new right back to switch with him. I really like Frimpong, and he can play as a winger as well.”

An ageing Andy Robertson needs to be replaced

Andy Robertson has long since been one of the best left-backs in the Premier League but his decline seems to have begun. In our interview, Pennant also pointed that out and is excited about Liverpool potentially bringing in Antonee Robinson or Milos Kerkez.

“I am a fan of both Robinson and Kerkez. Robertson has been fantastic for Liverpool. Great service, deserves his flowers, probably one of the better left backs the league has ever seen.”

“But you come to a point in your career, where you are going down. His brain is all there, but the legs aren't with him. We can see that when he is up against a player like Saka.”

It’s hard for Pennant to pick between Robinson or Kerkez, but he gives a slight edge to the Fulham man.

“Antonee Robinson would be absolutely perfect. He loves to get up and down. He loves getting assists. Kerkez is technically gifted and loves going up and down as well, so both of them would be a good signing for Liverpool.”

Who else should Liverpool sign?