Liverpool: Who All Should Be Rodgers’ First Choice Back-four?

With the transfer window shut for good, it’s about time when almost ever manager will have a rough idea of how his full-strength starting-11 looks like.

Having conceded 50 odd goals in the previous season when they ran eventual champions Manchester City close for the title, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers’ has gone to great lengths to sort out his defence this year. Having dipped into the transfer market more than once for defensive personnel, here is a look at what the Northern Irishman’s first choice back-four would more or less look like.

Dejan Lovren

Centre Backs :-

1. DejanLovren is an undoubted starter for the Ulsterman. Having forked out 20 million GBP for the services of the Croatain defender, Rodgers has made it clear in the first few games that Lovren is his first-choice centre-back ahead of the likes of MamadouSakho, Martin Skrtel and KoloToure. A leader is what Rodgers craved for in the back-four last season as he watched his side leak goals left-right-and-centre, in DejanLovren Rodgers has that man. Very commanding in the heart of defence – Lovren is a natural leader who effortlessly organizes the defence along with him. Strong in the air, comfortable in possession and fearless in every tackle – the Croatian hardman is the defender Rodgers has been searching for since the retirement of Jamie Carragher.
2. Slovakian stalwart Martin Skrtel pips Frenchman MamadouSakho to Rodgers’ preferred choice of centre-back alongside DejanLovren. Sometimes erratic, Skrtel somehow gets his name on the score sheet regularly too. Strong in a tackle, Skrtel might not be the most composed defender around but he sure does the job without too much fuss.
3. Frenchman MamadouSakho signed for Liverpool from his hometown club – Paris St. Germain last August. An astute defender, Sakho is an absolute beast of a defender with immense strength and very powerful in the air. However, the Frenchman’s composure on the ball and passing lets him down more often than it should. Now 3rd choice at Liverpool, expect the former PSG captain to keep Lovren and Skrtel on their toes.
4. Ivorian veteran KoloToure has a year left on his contract and after the departure of Daniel Agger is Rodger’s 4th choice centre-back. A decent back-up, Toure brings with him a wealth of experience and professionalism.

Right Full-Back:-

1. Young Jon Flannagan had a stellar season since he was called upon in the derb against Everton. One of the most improved players in the squad. The young Scouser has a fight for his spot at his hands. With Glen Johnson already there for competition, the academy graduate will also have to battle it out with the impressive JaviManquillo for the right-back spot. Ferocious in a tackle, Flannagan is a steady right-back – one that has the faith of Rodgers.
2. JaviManquillo on loan from Atletico Madrid has made an impressive start to his Liverpool career. After effortlessly slotting in as right-back against Borussia Dortmund, Manquillo has had a steady couple of games since. An excellent crosser of the football, Manquillo offers a decent turn of pace and athleticism from right-back.
3. Having borne the brunt of critics and fans for the most part of the last year, the right-back spot is no longer Glen Johnson’s by default. With just a year left on his contract, the England international has a fight at his hands for the right back slot.

Left Full-Back:-

1. Liverpool’s latest defensive acquistion – Alberto Moreno swapped Seville for Merseyside and as far as initial signs go, the young Spaniard already has developed a connection with the fans. Feisty and lightning quick – Moreno is the left back Liverpool fans have been searching for the better part of 7 years.
2. Jose Enrique has endured an injury-ravaged couple of seasons in a Liverpool shirt. The physically imposing Spaniard has a fight at his hands with young Moreno showing impressive signs in his first couple of starts.

The defence was a major cause of concern last season. While the season has just started, the Manchester City game aside Brendan Rodgers ought to be happy with the personnel he as at his disposal.