Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

News

HomeNewsEnglish Premier LeagueFulhamLiverpool

Liverpool urged to consider Fulham defender, by Don Hutchison

Will Butcher

Tue 9 March 2021 13:29, UK

that Liverpool should be looking at Fulham defender and stand-in captain Joachim Andersen this summer – with the Danish centre-back only on loan at Fulham from Lyon.

Andersen, 24, joined Fulham in the summer on a dry loan – without a permanent clause included in the contract. Despite being in the relegation zone, the one-time Denmark international has helped Fulham keep eight clean sheets in 22 league games.

Combining with ex-Manchester City star Tosin Adarabioyo, Andersen has excelled in the Premier League. His strength, aerial ability and technique on the ball has caught the eye – with the former Sampdoria man becoming renowned for his long balls.

Signed by Lyon for £21million (), Andersen is likely to have convinced Lyon to give him another chance. Whether Fulham can sign him remains to be seen, while Hutchison believe his efforts might tempt other Premier League teams – like Liverpool.

“What a player he is, what a leader. He’s got a great range of passing. If you’re Andersen now, take Liverpool for example, the way he’s been playing this season – you’d be looking at him as a potential signing,”

TBR’s view – Andersen would improve Liverpool’s options

Where Liverpool failed this season, is that when Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez became injured – the drop off from the quality of those two to their next available options is enormous. That remains, despite signing two players in January.

Joel Matip is nowhere near as good, and while Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have done their best – they simply are not centre-backs. Liverpool need a centre-back that can be first reserve, but is of similar quality to Gomes and van Dijk.

Andersen could be that and judging by his Fulham games, he would be an excellent replacement. However, would he be happy to be a back-up? Or should he be looking to play for a side where he is first choice? An interesting summer lies ahead for the Dane.

Andersen is represented by the same agency as Rhys Williams, Ben Woodburn and Caomihin Kelleher.