Following the signing of Josko Gvardiol by Manchester City, Ian Wright questioned Liverpool’s strategy for acquiring defenders.
This summer, the Reds added Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai to their squad after realising the need for improvement in their midfield.
Liverpool liked Levi Colwill of Chelsea, and the club was also eager to bolster its defensive alternatives. Other center-backs from throughout Europe were also linked. The only significant change to the Anfield backline was the short-term loan to Celtic of fifth-choice center-back Nat Phillips. Nevertheless, Jurgen Klopp ultimately decided to go with what he already had.
Gvardiol, a lifelong supporter of Liverpool, was linked with a move to Merseyside as it became apparent that he may be leaving RB Leipzig. Rumors said that the young Croatian player’s expensive price tag discouraged Reds manager Klopp from making an offer. Instead, for a staggering £77 million, the towering 21-year-old joined defending Premier League winners City.
Ian Wright, an Arsenal legend, expressed worries about Liverpool’s present alternatives at the defence, particularly in light of the new hybrid role given to Trent Alexander–Arnold. He claimed that a player of Gvardiol’s calibre should have been a priority for them.
Ian Wright believes that Liverpool should have brought in defensive reinforcements this summer
The former Arsenal striker, Ian Wright, questioned Joe Gomez and Joel Matip’s preparedness for the inverted full-back position and emphasised Liverpool’s track record of acquiring top-tier defenders.
To Premier League Productions, Ian Wright said
“If you are going to play with that inverted full-back, then I am not sure Joe Gomez or Joel Matip is the guy.”
He continued saying
“When you look at Liverpool down the years since, they have brought a proper defender. Yes, they paid for Virgil van Dijk and [Ibrahima] Konate. Andy Robertson. [Kostas] Tsimikas as well.”
Ian Wright further added
“Four players they have paid for, it’s not good enough for a club of that stature and what they are trying to do. I feel that Liverpool should have got a real top-end defender – someone like Josko Gvardiol. He was out there. You should try to go in.”
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