Andoni Iraola's first week as Liverpool manager ended with a 4-2 pre-season win over Sunderland, but the result was overshadowed by an injury to Joe Gomez. The 29-year-old, captaining the side, limped off in the eighth minute with what appeared to be another muscle problem.
Gomez travelled back to the club's base in Chicago after the match and will undergo tests to determine the extent of the damage. Iraola did not hide his frustration, calling the setback “the worst news”.
Defensive crisis deepens
The injury comes at a difficult time for the Basque manager, who already finds his defence threadbare before the campaign has begun. Virgil van Dijk missed the friendly after being given extra time off following the Netherlands' World Cup campaign, while new signing Jeremy Jacquet did not feature as a precautionary measure.
Another new arrival, Giovanni Leoni, is still rehabilitating from a serious ACL injury, leaving Liverpool's options severely limited. As a result, 18-year-olds Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe were handed debuts and performed admirably, but neither can be expected to feature regularly yet.
With the Premier League opener at Newcastle United less than a month away and the transfer window closing on September 1, Iraola is desperate for a central defender. Given that first-choice right-back Conor Bradley is set to miss a large chunk of the season with a knee injury, the Reds would be wise to target a player who can cover both positions.
James Hill: a familiar option
One name that stands out is Bournemouth's James Hill. The 24-year-old is a player Iraola knows well from his time with the Cherries, and he was one of his most reliable defenders last season, making 29 league appearances.
Hill impressed statistically, with 11.16 defensive contributions per 90, a 65.5% aerial duel success rate, and 63.8% of duels won overall. No central defender in the league won more aerial duels per 90 than Hill, who managed 4.88. He also created 0.56 chances per 90, showing the progressive use of the ball Iraola demands.
While centre-back is his best position, Hill also made three appearances at right-back last term, underlining his versatility. That makes him a natural fit to slot in alongside Van Dijk or Jacquet, and a player who would bolster Liverpool's defence once more.
Bournemouth won't sell cheaply
Despite his breakout season, there has been little transfer noise around Hill so far, meaning Liverpool would need to move quickly. Bournemouth will want to keep their best players, with new Cherries manager Marco Rose recently labelling him a “crucial player” for the club going forward.
That means Liverpool would likely have to pay a minimum fee of £40m to bring him to Anfield. It is a significant sum, but one worth paying given the repercussions of another injury crisis this season.
Liverpool's negotiating team would also have to convince Hill to leave the Vitality Stadium. He has recently praised Rose and is relishing the chance to play European football next season, so he may be hesitant to join as a back-up. Hill may want assurances from Iraola about game time, especially as he plays such a key role at Bournemouth and is tipped to be a future England international.
These are hurdles common in transfer dealings, but Liverpool's ideal defensive signing is clear. All that remains is for the club to act swiftly to give Iraola the best chance of success this season.
