Match Day Thread Time to look at our defence 2023/2024

We just need a midfield at this stage. Thankfully Hendo is back but Gini is being run into the ground now. We need Thiago, Ox, Naby, Shaq back ASAP.

Unfortunately, we can't afford to move Fabinho into midfield until we sign a new CB.

 

Our defence was good but not perfect against Wolves on Sunday. Fabinho and Matip are rising to the occasion. Well done.

 

Without Joel Matip Neco Shay Williams was called upon, his performance was above average. The young lad is learning his trade very well.
Well done Neco .

 

Once again a clean sheet away to Tottenham. Well done.

 

Virgil Van Dijk 8 weeks away

https://www.thisisanfield.com/2020/12/virgil-van-dijk-on-schedule-timeline-for-defenders-rehab/

 

I can’t see VVD playing this season, as much as I want him to.

 

would be madness to rush him back but I can understand why it would be considered. What I fear most is that Klopp thinks that he can survive the 8 weeks without buying another CB and we have neither for the last third of the season.

 

We simply have to buy a CB in January. It shouldn’t be up for debate. There is a title on the line which we should be walking. A centre back could be the difference

 

I would imagine a debate is going on right now between Klopp & his team and the execs .

 

We won't buy because of injuries. We will only buy if there is a player available that we want (regardless of injuries) and have scouted for at least a year

 

i agree that we won’t panic buy but we needed a CB even before the injuries. Combined with the fact that we have no fit senior CBs, and 2 of them are injury prone - therefore any signing we bring needs to be a long term option.

I think we do bring in a young CB in January who has potential but can also slot in this season with the view of being rotated from next year. And then we go big for a more established CB in the summer.

We’re a Fabinho injury away from having to start Nat Philips and Rhys Williams to defend our PL and win the CL. This isn’t good enough.

 

there's no chance van dijk is 2 months away surely? I read that article as he is 8 weeks into recovery and only on schedule.

Another 8 weeks would be 4 months since operation and leaves him within the window of risk for a re-rupture (6 months)

4 months is the earliest for a grade 2 tear but i heard it was grade 3?

 

Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool have conceded 1 goal each this season. Manchester United conceded three goals. Our defence is more stable this season, though still early in the season.

 

Extending Van Dijk’s ban would feel harsh, decisions need to be consistent
Extending Van Dijk’s ban would feel harsh, decisions need to be consistent - The Athletic
Van Dijk -Suspended one match or more?
Joe Gomez
Joel Matip
Joe Gomez and Joel Matip were able to keep a clean sheet against Aston Villa. Well done to both

To date, we are the second joint best defence in the premier league.
Manchester City have conceded two goals in four games and scored 11 goals.
Liverpool have conceded three goals in four goals and scored nine goals
Tottenham have conceded four goals in four games and scored eleven goals
West Ham have conceded three goals in four games and scored nine goals.

 

We've not conceded a big chance since VVD has been sent off ... perhaps he's the problem all along.

 

Ali's save from Almiron?

 

Not sure what they contribute as a big chance but cash had a good header saved and Diaby/Watkins got in each others way in middle of 6 yard box for what would have been a clear goal scoring chance so not like we’ve been flawless

 

Lads let's Jimmy have a new target, he might stop on robertson

 

We have. Which is ok as well, this is the Premier League - chances will be conceded in every game, by every team.

Thought VVD was exceptional vs Bournemouth and just got one wrong v Newcastle, 50% of the time (rightly or wrongly), that challenge would've been yellow.