I wouldnt call the role a back up. Its just not a role that starts at kick off or lasts 90 minutes. It wasnt a priority, but had Suarez stayed it would be working out better.
I had great hopes for Lovren, but to date he has been very disappointing. I think Can will prove to be the best signing of last Summer once he is fully match fit
We need a center back partnership, we currently have a bunch of individuals that don't mix well. Look at Terry and Cahill, individually nothing special but together they work.
A few have said Mankiller and its hard to argue otherwise because he's been the best performer since arriving. However, I will say he wouldn't have been needed at all had Flanno not been injured