How Liverpool could line up if they sign all their transfer targets in January

Centre-back - Virgil van Dijk

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool - Premier League

Liverpool splashed the cash four years ago to sign Virgil van Dijk from Southampton.

The Dutchman has completely transformed the Merseyside club’s defensive fortunes. The former UEFA Best Player award winner is undoubtedly the best centre-back in the world right now.

Just like Alisson and most of the Reds’ first-choice defenders, Van Dijk has been tied down to a long-term contract at Anfield. Last season, there was enough evidence to drive home the 30-year-old’s importance to Jurgen Klopp’s system. Liverpool are significantly weaker without Van Dijk.

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Left-back - Andrew Robertson

West Ham United vs Liverpool - Premier League

Andrew Robertson was signed to provide competition to Alberto Moreno. Not many Liverpool fans would have thought that the left-back would go on to become an essential cog in Liverpool’s defence. Robertson is now among the best left-backs in the game.

The Scotland captain is almost as good as Alexander-Arnold in terms of providing assists and creating chances. The pair are in the top three for most all-time assists by defenders in the league. The 27-year-old is equally adept in defending, and complements Van Dijk well on the left.

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Central Defensive Midfielder - Fabinho

Southampton vs Liverpool - Premier League

Fabinho’s value to the Liverpool midfield can never be understated. The Brazilian dynamo is the only out-and-out defensive midfielder at the club. The former Monaco man is one of the best players at his position, and has over four years left on his contract.

The 28-year-old has been on a goal-scoring spree in 2022. He scored four goals in January. That puts him alongside Steven Gerrard and Adam Lallana as the only midfielders to strike four times in a month in recent times for Liverpool. At the moment, Fabinho is irreplaceable in Liverpool’s line-up.

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Central Midfielder - Jude Bellingham

Besiktas vs Borussia Dortmund: Group C - UEFA Champions League

Jude Bellingham is the first of three Liverpool targets who could break into their current playing XI. The English youngster has accumulated ten appearances for the senior national team at the tender age of 18. Liverpool will have to shell out a considerable transfer fee to obtain his services.

Since Georginio Wijnaldum’s exit, no one has settled into the left central midfield position at Anfield.

Thiago Alcantara’s injury woes have been well documented. There is a severe drop in quality when the Spaniard is injured. Bellingham would be a splendid investment for the future, but it is unlikely Dortmund will part ways with him in January.