6 days ago
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Arne Slot claims his Liverpool squad boasts ample center-back options, despite some of those players not being natural specialists in that role.
His remarks came before Sunday's Community Shield clash against FA Cup champion Crystal Palace, where Slot and his Liverpool players will meet Marc Guehi, the Eagles' captain. The Reds have had two offers for England international Guehi turned down and, at present, have no intention of submitting a third bid.
Nevertheless, their defensive options appear quite restricted from an external perspective. They possess three senior specialist center-backs - Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and the currently sidelined Joe Gomez.
Skipper Van Dijk penned a contract extension toward the end of last season, securing his stay at the club until 2027, though Konate's existing deal expires at the conclusion of the current campaign.
Throughout preseason, players such as Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch, and Andy Robertson have deputised at center-back, with Slot expressing confidence in their capabilities.
"They can definitely play there as well, and you forget Joe Gomez," the Dutchman stated.
"Unfortunately he (Gomez) has a minor injury at the moment but he will be back with the team soon. I'm really happy with the players we are having and we have numerous players who can play in the position."
Anfield's stand-in center-backs aren't the only versatile players in the squad.
New right-back Jeremie Frimpong, who previously played on the wing for Bayer Leverkusen, is seen by Slot as a potential fill-in there when Mohamed Salah departs for the Africa Cup of Nations later in the season.
"We definitely thought about AFCON. It's partly why we brought in Frimpong because he can play as a right-winger," Slot told reporters. "A maximum six games without Mo, but that's a lot in the Premier League.
"Jeremie can play there, but he isn't the only option."
Guehi, eyed by Newcastle last summer, saw the Magpies shift their focus to other prospects like Malick Thiaw. Guehi featured as one of three center-backs in Oliver Glasner's team during a 3-1 victory over Augsburg last Friday and is tipped to play on Sunday.
The upcoming match marks Palace's first trip back to Wembley since its FA Cup triumph in May, and Guehi's teammate, center-back Maxence Lacroix, still revisits that match to savour the euphoria.
"This type of emotion... you don't have it every day," he shared with club media.
"It's like time stops. I watch the game back on YouTube and when you watch it again, you're like, 'No, it's not possible. We're going to win!'"
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