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Liverpool reportedly offered free agent that once earned rare Rafa Benitez praise
Liverpool have reportedly been offered the chance to sign free agent Daryl Janmaat to provide some much-needed cover in defence – and the Dutchman was once on the receiving end of some rare Rafa Benitez praise in 2016.
Joe Gomez is the latest Liverpool casualty, after his knee buckled during England training. The centre-back has since undergone successful surgery, with the Reds hopeful he could feature before the end of the 2020-21 campaign.
He joins Virgil van Dijk in a similar boat, while Joel Matip has only just returned to full fitness. Fabinho is looking to overcome a hamstring injury, while Trent Alexander-Arnold went down with a calf problem on Sunday.
Liverpool are down to the bare bones – and now, Liverpool have been offered the chance to sign Janmaat. The right-back is without a club after his contract at Watford expired.
The report claims the 31-year-old has been presented to Liverpool with a glowing recommendation from Gini Wijnaldum – who has played alongside Janmaat for the Netherlands and Newcastle.
Certainly, Janmaat could be the ideal short-term solution for Liverpool, offering cover at right-back and centre-back. Benitez is renowned for being stingy with his praise – but he labelled Janmaat a “good professional” in 2016.
“He is a player that I like. He is a good professional,” when discussing Janmaat’s future.
TBR’s view – Centre-back is more important
Yes, Liverpool have lost their best right-back. But they do have cover for Alexander-Arnold, in the form of Neco Williams and James Milner – while captain Jordan Henderson could even fill in on the right side of the defence.
The lack of options at centre-back is more worrying. Van Dijk, Gomez and Fabinho are out, leaving just Matip as a clear first-team option. Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips are options, but lack the required first-team exposure.
A centre-back is needed and the free agent market could be an option. But Janmaat is probably not the best option.
