The summer is approaching, and Liverpool are already preparing for a major defensive rebuild. The imminent departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, one of the team’s mainstays for years, is forcing the club to make firm decisions. The board, together with the new coach Arne Slot, is analysing options to fill a key position in the scheme of things. The profile of the successor is not chosen at random. Although the market offers flashy names, the Dutch coach’s style demands something specific. That is why recent reports of potential discards are attracting attention and sparking debate about the steps the club will take in the coming months.
According to reports from Football Insider, Liverpool are not planning to sign either Denzel Dumfries or Jeremie Frimpong in this window. Both full-backs, despite having good attacking numbers, do not fit Slot’s idea. The coach prioritises complete and balanced defenders. Dumfries, a vital part of Inter’s system of three centre-backs, excels more in attack than in defence. Similarly, Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen star Frimpong shines in an attacking role with great freedom.
Liverpool Won’t Sign Denzel Dumfries, And Jeremie Frimpong
However, both players show clear limitations when playing in a traditional defensive line. Liverpool, by evaluating more complete profiles, thus discards two players who are talented but not very functional in a more classical system. Slot is looking for a replacement that offers security at the back and accuracy at the back, without the need for extreme tactical sacrifices. The name of Vanderson, from Monaco, is gaining traction for that reason. The Brazilian, although less media-friendly, seems to offer a more balanced mix of attributes that would fit better in a back-four system.
From a personal point of view, the decision seems reasonable. Liverpool have suffered enough from defensive hesitancy in the last two years. Alexander-Arnold, for all his impact on the ball, left gaps that many opponents exploited. Repeating the pattern with players like Dumfries or Frimpong would be an unnecessary risk. It’s not about talent, it’s about compatibility.
Are they right?
Slot needs a compact and reliable presence at the back. Dumfries, for example, suffers in defensive scenarios without close support. Frimpong relies heavily on the system behind him; both shine when given total freedom, but that is not feasible in every game or against certain opponents. Instead, opting for a player like Vanderson could give the coach more tactical tools without losing quality.
Offence can be built from a solid defence. Liverpool, with this decision, shows that they are not going for names, but prioritise balance. That, in the long term, can make an important difference in the adaptation of the new cycle under Slot. Fans may have expected a more familiar name, but the logic behind this choice is sound and aims to build a more functional team from the ground up.
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