‘Rock solid’ Liverpool youngster with point to prove could help ease Arne Slot's defensive issues - opinion
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool are currently experiencing a slight injury crisis at the back and some academy stars may soon be called upon. The Reds wanted to upgrade their backline over the summer to add more depth, but for reasons out of their control, this could not happen.Their deal for Marc Guehi fell through at the 11th hour, meaning that it was just Giovanni Leoni who they got through the door, although he is likely out for the whole season with an ACL injury.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
Ibrahima Konate may have picked up an issue too, leaving Liverpool with just two options at centre-back, highlighting how a youngster will have to step up.Arne Slot certainly has a few to choose from, but there is one player with a point to prove who might just be the best candidate for the role.Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty ImagesAmara Nallo could be Liverpool’s fourth-choice centre-backMost top teams want four top quality options at centre-back so that they have options if needed, but the Reds only have three if Konate is available to play. This means the fourth spot, which would usually be Leoni, needs to be filled with a youngster, and Amara Nallo might just be the perfect choice.The 18-year-old is held in high regard within the academy and was even branded ‘rock solid’ by former Liverpool U21s coach Barry Lewtas.
He impressed to the point where he was handed his debut for the first-team against PSV in the Champions League, although he was sent off four minutes after coming on due to a professional foul.This brutal first outing will have certainly pained Nallo a lot but it will also mean that he will want to prove himself, with this experience something that will only fuel him.READ MORE: Peter Schmeichel believes there is a clear reason why Liverpool have started the season slowlyIt will also give him the slight edge over his fellow academy stars as Slot has clearly been impressed with him, giving him the best shot at being Liverpool’s new fourth-choice centre-back.Which other options do Liverpool have?Nallo was just one option mentioned by The Athletic’s James Pearce, but there are three others he believes could feature.Pearce states that Emmanuel Airoboma impressed against Galatasaray in the UEFA Youth League recently, while Wellity Lucky is another player leaving a real mark.Carter Pinnington is the final name he mentioned, although as the teenager only signed his first professional contract last year, he might need a little more time.Rhys Williams could also be an option, with the Englishman famously playing in the 2020/21 season when the Reds last had a defensive crisis, although that one was on a much bigger scale.