Liverpool's defence of their Premier League crown is in serious jeopardy, and club icon Robbie Fowler has pinpointed the two critical signings he believes can rescue their stuttering campaign.
The Reds are currently languishing in eighth place in the table after a dismal start, having lost five of their opening 11 matches. With a gap of eight points to leaders Arsenal, manager Arne Slot is under pressure to turn things around quickly.
The Midfield Anchor Liverpool Craves
Fowler has identified a lack of a specialist defensive midfielder as a primary weakness in Slot's squad. Despite the summer arrival of several attacking talents, the team lacks a natural successor to Fabinho.
"I do think we need a Fabinho-type sitter in that park," Fowler stated in an interview with Adventure Gamers. He praised the abilities of current midfielders Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai but highlighted a tactical indiscipline.
"You need that disciplined player to sort of sit there and try and control things," he explained. "At times I think Liverpool have maybe been a bit too risky with the three midfielders going forward when it's probably not on. I think they do need that little bit of stability in front of that back four."
A Defensive Imperative for Liverpool
Beyond the midfield, Fowler issued a stark warning about the state of Liverpool's central defence. He emphasised the precarious situation the club would face if their defensive stalwart, Virgil van Dijk, were to suffer an injury.
"God forbid anything happens to Virgil van Dijk," Fowler warned. "If he gets injured then it puts them in a really worrying position. So I think they do need to go out and get that centre-half."
Fowler has a specific candidate in mind: Marc Guehi. Liverpool came agonisingly close to signing the 25-year-old England international from Crystal Palace for £35 million on transfer deadline day in September, only for the deal to collapse at the eleventh hour.
"Obviously the link was Marc Guehi in the summer, and yes, I think he'll be a name on everyone's lips again," Fowler said. "He's genuinely a fantastic player, and if you're a good player and you're linked with Liverpool, then I'm happy with that."
For those seeking an alternative, Fowler also mentioned Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck. The 25-year-old German defender has just over 18 months remaining on his contract and is reportedly reluctant to sign a new deal, potentially making him a viable target.
With the January transfer window approaching, the pressure is on the Liverpool hierarchy to back Arne Slot and address these two glaring issues. Following Fowler's advice could be the key to salvaging their season.
