Liverpool learnt plenty during their two pre-season matches in the Far East, having won one and lost one.

Of course, results are immaterial during the summer friendlies, and Arne Slot will be more concerned about getting match fitness and new tactical ideas into his players.

Nevertheless, that does not mean that what happens during the games themselves is completely without merit, and Slot would be right to be a little worried.

Liverpool were far too open to counter-attacks during their clash with AC Milan in particular, conceding all three goals on the night to fast breaks.

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Although the personnel at the time was very much mix and match, the Liverpool head coach has plenty to think about in terms of how he sets up his defence.

With only three centre-backs currently at the club – and one of them perennially injured – Slot needs to do something in the transfer market to fix this growing problem.

And according to former Reds full-back Steve Nicol, bringing in another defender is of the utmost importance.

Photo by Hiroki Watanabe/Getty Images

While it is clear that Liverpool badly need to sign a centre-back this summer, the Reds are preoccupied with the potentially record-breaking addition of Alexander Isak.

Although the arrival of Isak from Newcastle would undoubtedly be exciting, Nicol has admitted that he can’t understand going for the striker while the defence remains incomplete.

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“I won’t be dancing on the table if Liverpool sign Isak for £120m tomorrow.

It seems a little weird,” the Liverpool legend told ESPN FC.

“I want my centre-back.

Had Ekitike not been at Liverpool, I would be dancing on the table if they turned around and signed Isak.”

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“But the fact that they have Ekitike, now I’m thinking it kind of feels like something you don’t need,” Nicol added.

“While I think it’s clear there’s a big hole there that needs filled, yet you’re going to spend £120m on something you probably don’t need.

It’s kind of weird.”

Although Nicol raises a good point here, there is nothing to say that Liverpool cannot sign a centre-back or two as well as Isak.

Yes, the fee for the Swedish striker is going to be ginormous, quite probably a British record, but Liverpool know they need other signings too.

They can do more than one thing at once, and it seems inconceivable that the Reds are not also looking into a centre-back addition.

Parma’s Giovanni Leoni has been mentioned as a target, while negotiations over Marc Guehi may yet accelerate.

Bringing in Isak will not be the end of Liverpool’s business if he does arrive, and if Slot can snare the Newcastle man while also bolstering his defence, the Reds will be in brilliant shape.
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