Impressive Brazilian and Swiss aces included…
With the news that Brendan Rodgers is unlikely to make Aly Cissokho’s transfer to Liverpool permanent this summer, CaughtOffside runs down seven potential options who could be starting on the left of the back four next term…
5) Ashley Cole – Chelsea (The Metro)
Cole can’t get in the Chelsea side at the moment behind Cesar Azpilicueta, and looks likely to be leaving Stamford Bridge when his contract expires in the summer.
He’s already 33-years-old, so wouldn’t be classed as a long-term option for the Reds. For one or two seasons though, Cole would be an affordable and more than adequate option to provide experience in defence.
4) Luke Shaw – Southampton
No doubt Shaw’s price would be hugely inflated due to him being young and English, and because Chelsea and Manchester United are also interested…
He’s still only 18-years-old, and has proven with the Saints already this season he has the ability to develop into one of the best left-backs in world football.
Not only he is physically strong, but he has an outstanding left foot that can provide consistently dangerous deliveries from the flank.
If Liverpool made a large offer quickly, they could tempt the wonderkid with the lure of a first-team spot and Champions League football.
3) One of the current batch: Jose Enrique, Jack Robinson or Jon Flanagan
There’s a chance of course that Brendan Rodgers will stick with what he already has…
If Enrique can get fit, he’s proven he’s more than deserving of a starting spot. Robinson has done well for Blackpool on loan and has multiple England Under-21 caps, and Flanagan can be used on either flank.
The manager has proven time and time again that he’s happy to give young players a chance, too.
2) Alex Sandro – Porto
The Reds haven’t been linked to Porto’s Brazilian, but he would seemingly fit in well on the left of the Reds’ back four.
At 23-years-old, he still has his peak years ahead of him, and is impressing hugely this season in Portugal. Like most Brazilians, Alex Sandro is very comfortable with the ball at his feet, and can play neat intricate buildup passes, before using his pace and direct style to overlap his winger.
1) Ricardo Rodriguez – Wolfsburg (talkSPORT)
The Swiss international has starred in the Bundesliga this term, providing an outstanding offensive outlet for Wolfsburg. He’s scored five and assisted four, and according to stats aggregator WhoScored, he’s been the best defender in Europe this term!
Rodriguez is physically capable too, and although his club would ideally like to keep hold of him, a large another offer would undoubtedly tempt them to do business with the Reds.
