Everton’s Séamus Coleman leaves the pitch on a stretcher after becoming injured during the Premier League match against Leicester City. Photo: PA/Reuters — © PA

Daniel McDonnell

Today at 03:30

For two of Irish football’s longest-serving captains, it was a Wednesday that delivered a range of emotions which shone a light on how this business can tug at their heart strings.

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Liverpool can look at’$180m’duo to solve Andy Robertson issue Trent Alexander-Arnold created

There have been many winners from Liverpool’s change to a new system, Trent Alexander-Arnold of course chief among them. Curtis Jones too has thrived in a different role, while Mohamed Salah’s five-in-five goal-scoring streak is no coincidence.

But the change has brought with it losers too, perhaps most notably left-back Andy Robertson. The Scotsman has seen his offensive wings clipped, and some of his defensive limitations exposed.

Robertson has been asked to defend as a left-sided center-back, moving inside to help cover for Alexander-Arnold as he steps into midfield.

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer target fulfils Jürgen Klopp ‘demand’ as Thiago midfield heir becomes clear

READ MORE: Thiago injury answers transfer question for Liverpool as Jürgen Klopp gets new ‘luxury player’

Against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, he struggled badly, leaving Harry Kane unmarked for the visitor’s first goal and very nearly gifting another when he lost the ball to Dejan Kulusevski in the very same spell.

Some have questioned where the Scotsman, one of the stalwarts of the Jürgen Klopp era, figures going forward, and whether he truly fits into this new set-up. The role isn’t tailored to his strengths.

Fortunately, there are a couple of potential solutions for Liverpool in the transfer market.

The first of these revolves around Ajax defender Jurriën Timber. According to Sky Germany (via Football 365), Liverpool is competing with Manchester United for the signing of the Dutchman, who’s valued at around $55m (£44m/€50m).

Timber, who said recently that ‘his transfer is getting closer’, seemingly wants to leave Amsterdam after agreeing to ‘stay for one more season’ last summer (via FourFourTwo).

The 21-year-old has operated as a right-sided center-half for Ajax this season, with Calvin Bassey typically to his left and Devyne Rensch to his right.

Intriguingly, though, he also has experience of different defensive roles, having played as a right-back 49 times during his club career, as per Transfermarkt, and featured on the right of a three for the Netherlands.

We saw this at the World Cup at the end of last year, with Timber positioned next to Virgil van Dijk in Louis van Gaal’s backline.

Matthijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich initially got the nod but he publicly admitted that Timber, who replaced him from matchday two until the quarter-final against eventual champion Argentina, was better suited to the role (via Telegraaf).

De Ligt didn’t like ‘playing as a right-back’ at times, with the RCB forced to cover for Denzel Dumfries, who often joined the attack, but Timber was much more accustomed to defending in wide areas.

Jurriën Timber is one of the players who could solve a new Andy Robertson problem for Liverpool

(Image: Photo by NESimages/Raymond Smit/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

This offers us a glimpse of how things could work at Anfield. The system would have to change a little, with Alexander-Arnold committing to a midfield role rather than starting as a right-back.

Timber would fill the gap on paper, and then form a three with Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté in possession, allowing Robertson to push up on the left-hand side.

One of the big concerns around the Ajax man is his height — he’s only 5ft 10in tall and ranks as low as the fifth percentile for aerial duel success percentage (via FBRef). But playing in a back three with more dominant players, and operating wider, would minimize that weakness and maximize his strengths.

The other option for Liverpool would be to maintain the current system, but involve a sacrifice.

The Reds could recruit a center-back who’s also capable of operating as a left-back, and that player could then rotate with Robertson depending on the characteristics of each opponent. Against stronger teams, a more conservative approach may be necessary.

The prospect of a world-class player like Robertson sitting on the bench is far from a palatable one, but Liverpool might need to make some tough decisions to get back to the top.

In an ideal world, Liverpool could bring in Joško Gvardiol from RB Leipzig, a player admired and monitored by senior recruitment staff at Anfield (via The Athletic).

The interest in the Croatian, who would likely cost in the region of $125m/£100m/€113m (via The Telegraph), makes more sense now that Klopp has switched things up.

If you enjoyed this piece, you’ll love our Liverpool.com newsletter — every weekday, we send exclusive, bonus content only to people signed up for our mailing list!

Our newsletter subscribers get a rundown Monday to Friday from one of the best Liverpool FC writers — straight to your inbox, and completely for free.

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Almost the mirror image of Timber, Gvardiol is a predominant center-back who also has knowledge of the left-back position (36 games).

He would start as an LB at Anfield and then tuck in more comfortably to the LCB role when Alexander-Arnold stepped into midfield.

The 21-year-old doesn’t possess the same attacking instincts, and is a more adept defender.

However, his price tag puts the transfer beyond the realms of realism and, in all likelihood, into the realms of fantasy, so Liverpool probably would have to find another player in the same mold.

The focus for Klopp this summer is bound to be on the midfield, but if he is to embrace this new system moving forward, the Reds must recruit the defensive personnel to suit it too

READ NEXT….

Liverpool can look at’$180m’duo to solve Andy Robertson issue Trent Alexander-Arnold created

There have been many winners from Liverpool’s change to a new system, Trent Alexander-Arnold of course chief among them. Curtis Jones too has thrived in a different role, while Mohamed Salah’s five-in-five goal-scoring streak is no coincidence.

But the change has brought with it losers too, perhaps most notably left-back Andy Robertson. The Scotsman has seen his offensive wings clipped, and some of his defensive limitations exposed.

Robertson has been asked to defend as a left-sided center-back, moving inside to help cover for Alexander-Arnold as he steps into midfield.

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer target fulfils Jürgen Klopp ‘demand’ as Thiago midfield heir becomes clear

READ MORE: Thiago injury answers transfer question for Liverpool as Jürgen Klopp gets new ‘luxury player’

Against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, he struggled badly, leaving Harry Kane unmarked for the visitor’s first goal and very nearly gifting another when he lost the ball to Dejan Kulusevski in the very same spell.

Some have questioned where the Scotsman, one of the stalwarts of the Jürgen Klopp era, figures going forward, and whether he truly fits into this new set-up. The role isn’t tailored to his strengths.

Fortunately, there are a couple of potential solutions for Liverpool in the transfer market.

The first of these revolves around Ajax defender Jurriën Timber. According to Sky Germany (via Football 365), Liverpool is competing with Manchester United for the signing of the Dutchman, who’s valued at around $55m (£44m/€50m).

Timber, who said recently that ‘his transfer is getting closer’, seemingly wants to leave Amsterdam after agreeing to ‘stay for one more season’ last summer (via FourFourTwo).

The 21-year-old has operated as a right-sided center-half for Ajax this season, with Calvin Bassey typically to his left and Devyne Rensch to his right.

Intriguingly, though, he also has experience of different defensive roles, having played as a right-back 49 times during his club career, as per Transfermarkt, and featured on the right of a three for the Netherlands.

We saw this at the World Cup at the end of last year, with Timber positioned next to Virgil van Dijk in Louis van Gaal’s backline.

Matthijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich initially got the nod but he publicly admitted that Timber, who replaced him from matchday two until the quarter-final against eventual champion Argentina, was better suited to the role (via Telegraaf).

De Ligt didn’t like ‘playing as a right-back’ at times, with the RCB forced to cover for Denzel Dumfries, who often joined the attack, but Timber was much more accustomed to defending in wide areas.

Jurriën Timber is one of the players who could solve a new Andy Robertson problem for Liverpool

(Image: Photo by NESimages/Raymond Smit/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

This offers us a glimpse of how things could work at Anfield. The system would have to change a little, with Alexander-Arnold committing to a midfield role rather than starting as a right-back.

Timber would fill the gap on paper, and then form a three with Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté in possession, allowing Robertson to push up on the left-hand side.

One of the big concerns around the Ajax man is his height — he’s only 5ft 10in tall and ranks as low as the fifth percentile for aerial duel success percentage (via FBRef). But playing in a back three with more dominant players, and operating wider, would minimize that weakness and maximize his strengths.

The other option for Liverpool would be to maintain the current system, but involve a sacrifice.

The Reds could recruit a center-back who’s also capable of operating as a left-back, and that player could then rotate with Robertson depending on the characteristics of each opponent. Against stronger teams, a more conservative approach may be necessary.

The prospect of a world-class player like Robertson sitting on the bench is far from a palatable one, but Liverpool might need to make some tough decisions to get back to the top.

In an ideal world, Liverpool could bring in Joško Gvardiol from RB Leipzig, a player admired and monitored by senior recruitment staff at Anfield (via The Athletic).

The interest in the Croatian, who would likely cost in the region of $125m/£100m/€113m (via The Telegraph), makes more sense now that Klopp has switched things up.

If you enjoyed this piece, you’ll love our Liverpool.com newsletter — every weekday, we send exclusive, bonus content only to people signed up for our mailing list!

Our newsletter subscribers get a rundown Monday to Friday from one of the best Liverpool FC writers — straight to your inbox, and completely for free.

Wherever you are in the world — in the US, the UK or further afield — you don’t want to miss out.

Sign up to the Liverpool.com newsletter here — it only takes a few seconds!

Almost the mirror image of Timber, Gvardiol is a predominant center-back who also has knowledge of the left-back position (36 games).

He would start as an LB at Anfield and then tuck in more comfortably to the LCB role when Alexander-Arnold stepped into midfield.

The 21-year-old doesn’t possess the same attacking instincts, and is a more adept defender.

However, his price tag puts the transfer beyond the realms of realism and, in all likelihood, into the realms of fantasy, so Liverpool probably would have to find another player in the same mold.

The focus for Klopp this summer is bound to be on the midfield, but if he is to embrace this new system moving forward, the Reds must recruit the defensive personnel to suit it too.

READ NEXT…..

Liverpool can look at’$180m’duo to solve Andy Robertson issue Trent Alexander-Arnold created

There have been many winners from Liverpool’s change to a new system, Trent Alexander-Arnold of course chief among them. Curtis Jones too has thrived in a different role, while Mohamed Salah’s five-in-five goal-scoring streak is no coincidence.

But the change has brought with it losers too, perhaps most notably left-back Andy Robertson. The Scotsman has seen his offensive wings clipped, and some of his defensive limitations exposed

Robertson has been asked to defend as a left-sided center-back, moving inside to help cover for Alexander-Arnold as he steps into midfield.

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer target fulfils Jürgen Klopp ‘demand’ as Thiago midfield heir becomes clear

READ MORE: Thiago injury answers transfer question for Liverpool as Jürgen Klopp gets new ‘luxury player’

Against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, he struggled badly, leaving Harry Kane unmarked for the visitor’s first goal and very nearly gifting another when he lost the ball to Dejan Kulusevski in the very same spell.

Some have questioned where the Scotsman, one of the stalwarts of the Jürgen Klopp era, figures going forward, and whether he truly fits into this new set-up. The role isn’t tailored to his strengths.

Fortunately, there are a couple of potential solutions for Liverpool in the transfer market.

The first of these revolves around Ajax defender Jurriën Timber. According to Sky Germany (via Football 365), Liverpool is competing with Manchester United for the signing of the Dutchman, who’s valued at around $55m (£44m/€50m).

Timber, who said recently that ‘his transfer is getting closer’, seemingly wants to leave Amsterdam after agreeing to ‘stay for one more season’ last summer (via FourFourTwo).

The 21-year-old has operated as a right-sided center-half for Ajax this season, with Calvin Bassey typically to his left and Devyne Rensch to his right.

Intriguingly, though, he also has experience of different defensive roles, having played as a right-back 49 times during his club career, as per Transfermarkt, and featured on the right of a three for the Netherlands.

We saw this at the World Cup at the end of last year, with Timber positioned next to Virgil van Dijk in Louis van Gaal’s backline.

Matthijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich initially got the nod but he publicly admitted that Timber, who replaced him from matchday two until the quarter-final against eventual champion Argentina, was better suited to the role (via Telegraaf).

De Ligt didn’t like ‘playing as a right-back’ at times, with the RCB forced to cover for Denzel Dumfries, who often joined the attack, but Timber was much more accustomed to defending in wide areas.

Jurriën Timber is one of the players who could solve a new Andy Robertson problem for Liverpool

This offers us a glimpse of how things could work at Anfield. The system would have to change a little, with Alexander-Arnold committing to a midfield role rather than starting as a right-back.

Timber would fill the gap on paper, and then form a three with Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté in possession, allowing Robertson to push up on the left-hand side.

One of the big concerns around the Ajax man is his height — he’s only 5ft 10in tall and ranks as low as the fifth percentile for aerial duel success percentage (via FBRef). But playing in a back three with more dominant players, and operating wider, would minimize that weakness and maximize his strengths.

The other option for Liverpool would be to maintain the current system, but involve a sacrifice.

The Reds could recruit a center-back who’s also capable of operating as a left-back, and that player could then rotate with Robertson depending on the characteristics of each opponent. Against stronger teams, a more conservative approach may be necessary.

The prospect of a world-class player like Robertson sitting on the bench is far from a palatable one, but Liverpool might need to make some tough decisions to get back to the top.

In an ideal world, Liverpool could bring in Joško Gvardiol from RB Leipzig, a player admired and monitored by senior recruitment staff at Anfield (via The Athletic).

The interest in the Croatian, who would likely cost in the region of $125m/£100m/€113m (via The Telegraph), makes more sense now that Klopp has switched things up.

If you enjoyed this piece, you’ll love our Liverpool.com newsletter — every weekday, we send exclusive, bonus content only to people signed up for our mailing list!

Our newsletter subscribers get a rundown Monday to Friday from one of the best Liverpool FC writers — straight to your inbox, and completely for free.

Wherever you are in the world — in the US, the UK or further afield — you don’t want to miss out.

Sign up to the Liverpool.com newsletter here — it only takes a few seconds!

Almost the mirror image of Timber, Gvardiol is a predominant center-back who also has knowledge of the left-back position (36 games).

He would start as an LB at Anfield and then tuck in more comfortably to the LCB role when Alexander-Arnold stepped into midfield.

The 21-year-old doesn’t possess the same attacking instincts, and is a more adept defender.

However, his price tag puts the transfer beyond the realms of realism and, in all likelihood, into the realms of fantasy, so Liverpool probably would have to find another player in the same mold.

The focus for Klopp this summer is bound to be on the midfield, but if he is to embrace this new system moving forward, the Reds must recruit the defensive personnel to suit it too.