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Liverpool’s full-backs were viewed as one of their biggest weaknesses heading into the Andoni Iraola era, and nothing fans have seen since has countered that viewpoint.At right-back, Iraola has at least somewhat solved the problem by picking Ronald Araujo in place of Jeremie Frimpong. Do you think Andoni Iraola picked the wrong team against Fulham?
Liverpool face Fulham at Anfield Tsimikas was taken off at half-time, and although Kerkez was an improvement in the second-half, it is clear that this is an area of concern for Iraola and Liverpool.Joe Gomez could provide an Araujo-style fix once he is back fit, but it is hard to see the notoriously attacking Iraola playing with four natural centre-backs in his defence. Instead, with neither Kerkez nor Tsimikas at the races, the Basque should be looking to youth and giving Luke Chambers a chance instead.Luke Chambers is next in line at left-backChambers clearly impressed Iraola during pre-season, and though Liverpool were likely to have had plenty of loan offers for the 22-year-old, they chose to keep him around.Although his friendly performances all came at centre-back, Chambers is naturally a left-back, and is the next option for Iraola behind Kerkez and Tsimikas.READ MORE: Steve Nicol details how Liverpool can set up without Florian Wirtz to help Alexander IsakWith his two older colleagues not covering themselves in glory, Chambers could start against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.That could give him a platform to show Iraola that he is a genuine option to solve what is becoming a growing problem.Now 22, Chambers is not an up and coming youngster anymore, and having been denied a loan, he should have his eye on breaking into the Liverpool squad.Tsimikas’ contract will expire next summer and he is almost certain to leave, meaning a spot as Kerkez’s back-up will be open.Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty ImagesIf the Hungary international does not improve during the season, Liverpool may even need a new starting left-back, and while that feels like a long-shot for Chambers, if he is ambitious he can certainly make a run at it.In order to do that he needs a vote of confidence from Iraola.
Tsimikas has had his time, and continues to do nothing with it, instead of picking the Greek, what is the harm in throwing Chambers in?He could hardly do worse, and if he is able to step up and make a proper claim for the shirt, then everybody wins. Iraola has shown that he is not afraid to drop underperforming players, and though it is unclear whether Kerkez coming out of the team was form related or simple rotation, if the Basque does not see any improvement, Chambers is next in line.
