Liverpool have been decimated by injuries this season and we’ve seen some pretty bizarre lineups as a result. The Reds had made do with what they’ve got with players filling in where asked during this turbulent time. Most recently we saw Fabinho and Jordan Henderson partnered at the back, the move makes sense as long as Thiago is fit.
Liverpool centre back crisis
When Liverpool sold Dejan Lovren without replacing him in the summer we all nodded along and thought ‘hey, they know best, I would’ve brought in a replacement myself but hey, they know best’.
Turns out we were right all along.
Within weeks of the season starting Liverpool were down to just one natural centre back in the senior side.
Virgil van Dijk was ruled out for the season after a horror tackle in the Merseyside Derby.
Joe Gomez wasn’t far behind, the 23-year-old sustained a knee injury during England training.
Since then Joel Matip has been sidelined by an abductor issue.
Fabinho and Jordan Henderson
At Southampton the Reds were forced into a bold decision.
Fabinho and Jordan Henderson started at centre back together, the boss opting against selecting one of the youngsters.
Fabby, signed from Monaco for £43m, has been deployed in the back four for most of the season.
Whilst the captain, bought from Sunderland for £20m, has only played at centre back for the Reds once before in the Club World Cup.
Partnership depends on Thiago
This defensive midfielders at centre back partnership works.
The pair are excellent defenders. However, the pairing relies on Thiago being fit.
Without the Spaniard in holding midfield, we need Jordan Henderson in there.
We can’t rely on Gini Wijnaldum to occupy that holding role and it would be a waste of his energetic talents.
As long as Thiago is fit we should stick with the Hendo and Fabinho partnership.
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