Much has been made of Virgil Van Dijk’s absence this season, with the Dutchman having suffered an ACL injury in October’s Merseyside derby. Although many fans were understandably concerned that the 29-year old’s absence would hinder their title defence, the Reds’ back-line has been surprisingly robust in recent months and the emergence of both Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips suggests that the future of Liverpool’s defence is in safe hands.
Although the Netherlands international is making good progress, he is unlikely to be rushed back into action, with Jurgen Klopp playing down the possibility of a swift return. With the hectic fixture list starting to take its toll, Liverpool have been forced to deploy Fabinho in the centre of defence, and the Brazilian has provided excellent cover so far. Prior to his return, Joel Matip’s latest injury set-back had left the club desperately short at the back, however, despite the unfortunate raft of defensive absences, there are still plenty of reasons to be positive.
Liverpool’s Defensive Prowess at Anfield
Although Klopp’s men have been praised for their potent frontline, their title-winning season was also built on solid foundations. They conceded just 0.87 goals per game last year, and were breached on just 33 occasions. Although they’ve already shipped 19 goals this time around, their ability to keep the opposition at arm’s length at Anfield should not be underestimated. Klopp’s men have the joint-second best home defence in the top flight so far, conceding just seven times, and restricted title-rivals Spurs to just two efforts on target during their recent 2-1 success.
Although the Reds have struggled for clean sheets on the road, they are usually a fairly reliable proposition on their own patch. Away from home, they drew four of their opening six matches, although they had been leading in three of those games, with both punters and supporters having been left frustrated by their inability to close games out. Savvy bettors may have spotted this trend, and cashed out once Klopp’s men managed to get their noses in front. The ability to cash out, which is now offered by the majority of online betting sites, has become a key part of the modern sports gambling strategy and allows punters to capitalise on their side being in a winning position. It has been an incredibly useful asset to those who have regularly backed Liverpool on the road this season. However, with the Reds yet to fall behind at Anfield, bettors are far more likely to simply hold their nerve when siding with the hosts.
Joe Gomez
Although he is unlikely to return to action until spring 2021 at the earliest, Joe Gomez has an extremely bright future at the club and has already shown that he has the ability and composure to compete at the highest level. Despite only being 23 years of age, the former Charlton man has already featured 141 times for Liverpool, and his calm ball-playing style befits the club’s easy-on-the-eye approach.
His reading of the game is also second to none, and he is likely to be at the heart of the Reds’ defence for many years to come.
Rhys Williams
Rhys Williams vs. Tottenham
86% Pass accuracy
3/5 Accurate long passes
6/6 Aerial duels won
1/1 Ground duel won
2 InterceptionsUp against two of the world’s most dangerous, most in form pair, the 19 year old centre back was composed, he recovered excellently, he looked at home pic.twitter.com/5Rck2JQThi
— The Tactical Times (@Tactical_Times) December 16, 2020
The 19-year old defender was thrown in at the deep end on December 16th as he made his full Liverpool debut against in-form Spurs. Despite his lack of top-flight experience, the youngster was widely praised for his commanding and confident performance. Both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson commended his composure and communication, and as a result, he is likely to get plenty more minutes going forward.
In just 90 minutes of Premier League football, he managed to win seven aerial duels and made three interceptions. He admits that being vocal is part of his game, and it is something that he has been working on for a number of years.
Williams appears to have a bright future at Anfield and he seemingly has all of the attributes to become a future club captain.
Nathaniel Phillips
The 23-year old has emerged as another potential future superstar, and already has 180 minutes under his belt this season. Having spent last year on loan at Stuttgart, the defender appears to have returned with enough experience to suggest that he can adapt to the rigours of the top flight.
He was given the man of the match award for his superb performance against Brighton at the end of November, and although the Liverpool hierarchy will be keen to take their time with his development, he’s looked perfectly capable of stepping up in the absence of several senior players.
Despite regularly being described as an “old fashioned centre-back”, Phillips is equally comfortable with the ball at his feet, and he looks ready to become a regular deputy for the remainder of the 2020-21 campaign.
Although Virgil Van Dijk remains at the top of his game, and is likely to be a commanding presence at the heart of the defence for many seasons to come, Reds fans can rest assured that there are plenty of prospects waiting to step up and fill his sizeable boots. With Joe Gomez having already established himself as a regular starter, and both Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips having impressed during their brief Premier League cameos, the future of Liverpool’s defence appears to be in extremely good hands.
