Liverpool Need An Extra Fullback While They're At It
For all of Wisdom's progress through the season, he is still just 19, and it will take time before he should be regularly relied upon. The centre back has largely been played out on the right for most of the season, this only highlights the lack of depth at the fullback position. Both of Liverpool's starting fullbacks are currently out with injury, with Johnson only in the back room with a minor setback. In a system such as the one played by Rodgers, the fullbacks play a vital role. Glen Johnson is arguably Liverpool's player of the season, and yes, even with Suarez in the side. He provides much more than just better defensive help, but by pushing up the field, he adds attacking options. He both stretches the field vertically with his pace, but also horizontally as he acts as an extra man in midfield when Liverpool have the ball. Johnson's replacement this weekend was Jack Robinson, and it is safe to say the young fullback will be having nightmares about his performance for quite some time. Yes, he like Wisdom has plenty of time to fill out his undoubted potential, but if Liverpool are to get where they want to be sooner rather than later, then they need a solution now. Liverpool have already signed Daniel Sturridge this transfer window, and have all but completed the singing of Philippe Coutinho. While these are good signings it would be nice to see some money spent on the defensive side of the ball. There are rumours that Liverpool are still trying to sign Thomas Ince from Blackpool, but one cannot help but think that they already have decent enough midfield options, especially when the defence is in greater need. Liverpool's starting 11 is good enough to compete at a high level, but if there is one thing we have learned from this weekend, it is that you cannot always play those 11.