Liverpool may have found an 'outstanding' player who can finally replace Virgil van Dijk - opinion

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Liverpool will have to make some even bigger changes to their squad in the coming years and are already planning ahead.The Reds had a major shake up in the summer that saw plenty of new players arrive, but equally a raft of individuals leave.This major change has perhaps caused a bit of disruption at the beginning of the season as things are not going as swimmingly as many would have expected.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. However, in just two years time, something like this could happen again, with the contracts of some very key players, such as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk expiring.Both will be near-impossible to replace, although the Reds have to at least try, and the latest star they have added to the shortlist could just be the perfect alternative to their captain.Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesNico Schlotterbeck is the perfect replacement for Virgil van DijkVan Dijk has been one of the, if not the, best centre-backs in the world ever since he joined Liverpool in 2018, with the Dutchman a Rolls Royce at the back.He may have a laid-back approach, but his pace, positioning and forward-thinking mean that he often gets away with it, with the 34-year-old always in the right place at the right time.One thing he also does better than most is playing out from the back, with his passing range being like having a quarterback in the heart of the defence.This is one thing that will be very hard to find in a player when the time comes, but they may have found the ideal replacement in Nico Schlotterbeck.Liverpool are said to have ‘watched’ Schlotterbeck a lot and very much like his profile, with the Borussia Dortmund centre-back a player they could make a move for in the summer according to journalist David Lynch.Similarly to van Dijk, the 25-year-old is tall, quick, but most importantly, ‘outstanding’ on the ball, with this a trait that is very hard to find in a centre-half.Liverpool legend Dietmar Hamman has also raved about the German in the past, with the former Red certainly giving his seal of approval.“He is a great player, very good in tackling and strong in heading,” he wrote in his Sky Sports column back in 2023.READ MORE: Liverpool may now find themselves with another Sadio Mane situation on their hands“He’s probably one of the best centre-backs in terms of ball-playing skills, not just in Germany, but in all of Europe.

I really hope he can finally take the next step now.”Liverpool must sign a centre-back in JanuaryAlthough Schlotterbeck is likely seen as an addition for next summer if the Reds do decide to make a move, it might be a little too late by then.Liverpool’s defensive issues need sorting, in terms of on-pitch and squad depth, meaning someone needs to be signed in January.Marc Guehi and Dayot Upamecano are also options, although they will have to make their minds up soon as to who they want to try and sign mid-season.Guehi seems the obvious option, especially as Palace might want to cash in, although in terms of ability on the ball, perhaps it should be Schlotterbeck who they go in for.