Liverpool began the Arne Slot era with a three-point victory over Ipswich Town. Although the Premier League’s first clean sheet was warmly appreciated, the Reds weren’t without defensive shortcomings.
A sobering reminder of the problems that still exist under Jurgen Klopp’s late-stage management, the newly promoted hosts will lament the lack of sharpness in the first half, which they paid a heavy price for after the break as Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah did the damage as Slot’s clever system worked and caused mayhem.

Yes, but all is not lost: Liverpool is back on track and, wow, did they look good towards the finish. But because of Liverpool’s lack of match success, Jarell Quansah’s halftime change revealed a razor-sharp streak and a cutting edge to Slot’s tactical thinking, which strengthens the case that Liverpool require backup players.

Although Virgil van Dijk, the captain, is essential, Ibrahima Konate only started 17 Premier League games last season, and Quansah, at 21, only 13. Both are powerful and formidable ball-playing defenders, but FSG may be compelled to act given that Joe Gomez is free to pursue a transfer before the end of the month.

News about Liverpool transfers

According to TEAMtalk, Marc Guehi, a highly regarded centre back, is the focus of a lengthy transfer campaign from Newcastle United, meaning that Liverpool may have a chance to sign him this month.

The England hero at Euro 2024, Guehi, has been a rock for Crystal Palace lately as the Eagles have been playing hardball and turning down several overtures from Newcastle in recent days.

According to TEAMtalk’s report, Guehi has fans at Anfield, which could lead to a potential takeover for the star valued at £75 million, particularly if Gomez is sold for about £45 million.

Why Marc Guehi is so sought-after 

Gomez is the senior player at Liverpool with the longest tenure. Writer Joel Rabinowitz recognised that Gomez had a “renaissance” this past season after previously disappearing from view.

Gomez has likely earned the right to call it quits and look for new pastures after a lengthy Anfield career that has witnessed every emotion, a tonne of trophies, and success. There’s a growing feeling that a defender might be signed within the next two weeks.

As one of the best rising centre halves in the Premier League, Guehi would be a perfect fit. This summer, Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad included him in a pivotal role, with Southgate starting six games en route to the final and receiving praise for his “excellence” from renowned journalist Henry Winter.

The 24-year-old featured in 25 Premier League games last season, according to Sofascore, and made an impression with his clever and diligent approach to his craft. He won 67% of his ground duels, completed 87% of his passes, and averaged 3.5 clearances and 4.8 ball recoveries per game.

These numbers effectively imply that he is a Van Dijk-type player, calm and almost languid in his movements, but with a deft sense of game awareness and precise positioning.

The fact that he only featured three times under Oliver Glasner, who took over Selhurst Park in February after a dismal conclusion to Roy Hodgson’s tenure, adds to the impressive nature of his high level of play last year.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig has even referred to him as a “beast.” Given that Guehi is only getting better, the Redmen could find themselves with a steal if they can get him to play with Van Dijk this season.

Why Liverpool would start Marc Guehi

Guehi has shown his value in recent years. He completed a £18 million move from Chelsea to Palace in 2021, and since then, he has made 112 appearances. Last weekend, he even wore an armband for the team’s Premier League debut against Brentford.

It is quite possible that he might surpass Quansah and Konate to become the starting centre-back (Van Dijk aside, of course). He has an underappreciated passing game that would fit well with the style that Slot wants to instill on Merseyside and a natural fortitude as well.

Without a doubt, Quansah is a gifted player who has contributed significantly to Liverpool’s first team since joining the team during the summer after spending time on loan in League One.

In terms of passes attempted, progressive passes, and tackles per ninety, the six-foot-six colossus is among the top three percent of positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the previous season, according to FBref.

In football, systems are crucial, and drawing hasty conclusions from superficial comparisons can be harmful if vital underlying ideas are overlooked. Over the previous year, Guehi’s ball-playing success has decreased as he has mostly played in a shaky and practical Hodgson system.

Instead, let’s examine his Euro 2024 numbers; ah, things start to make more sense. Guehi had a 93.5% pass completion rate and was in the top 6% of German centre backs in terms of assists per ninety. He would develop into a more accomplished ball player than Quansah under a different system—at least in this stage, anyway.

Guehi, who Palace writer Bobby Manzi called a “monster” of a defender, is the genuine deal. His complete-package style of play could be ideal when paired with Van Dijk, relegating Quansah to a more supporting position for the remainder of the season.