Peter Crouch says Liverpool need another central defender, insists Fabinho not the man to fill in

Former Liverpool and England striker, Peter Crouch, has highlighted Liverpool’s need to sign another central defender before the transfer window closes. 

The Reds conceded three times on the opening day as they narrowly saw off Leeds United 4-3 at Anfield.

Despite a brilliant attacking display once again, the defence was a worry. Virgil van Dijk made a big error, while the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez looked off the pace.

And Crouch, writing in his column for the Daily Mail, has insisted the Reds need another, while highlighting that Fabinho is not the answer if that is something Jurgen Klopp is considering.

“I looked at the defence against Leeds. They have got three great players in Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip but I believe they could do with another addition there, as I wouldn’t want to see Fabinho used as the fourth-choice central defender.

“It was a rare mistake by Van Dijk that had a hint of complacency about it. Does he make the same mistake if Liverpool have signed a central defender this summer and pressure is being applied to his place? Competition raises your standards by an extra one or two per cent.”

Liverpool have only signed Kostas Tsimikas this summer, who is a left-back. In addition, a move for Thiago Alcantara is taking longer than expected, with funds seemingly short at the Anfield.

Crouch is right, Liverpool need to build and not stand still – TBR View

It was probably just an off night for Van Dijk but Liverpool do need to bring more players in and Crouch has a point, they look very lightweight at centre-back, especially if they get an injury or two.

Fabinho is a fantastic player, of course he is. But he’s a midfielder and a proven one at that. He’d be wasted at centre-back in most games.

Hopefully, Klopp gets some backing from his board in the coming weeks and the club can look at building for multiple successes, rather than just resting on one championship.

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