Sign centre-back in January to keep title defence, Crouch tells Liverpool

Liverpool have been urged by Peter Crouch to buy a centre-back in January in order to keep their title defence on track after another defensive injury.

Jurgen Klopp has been without starting centre-backs Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez after serious knee injuries.

While Joel Matip will now be out for three weeks with an adductor injury picked up in the 1-1 draw with West Brom, leaving the Reds’ centre-back options down to Fabinho, playing out of position, and youngsters Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams.

After being held again on Wednesday in a goalless draw with Newcastle, former striker Crouch believes Klopp must acquire two new players next month.

“I think getting a centre-half in in January is key,” Crouch said on Amazon Prime. “I think they have been looking at it, I think they have identified people, behind the scenes they will be working on it.

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“They cannot rely on the young lads and a midfielder at centre-half.”

While Steve McManaman also believes a new signing in the market will boost Reds fans.

“Liverpool have brought in good players [in the past], it is whether they can address that situation defensively,” McManaman added.

“Thiago is back, when you looked at the bench tonight you thought ‘they are nearly getting to full strength’, they just need that pivotal position.

“If they can bring somebody in in January, I think Liverpool fans will be very, very happy.

“They are starting to get their strength back right bang in the middle of the season which is probably the most important time.”