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Right-back: Ezri Konsa (England) - €25 million
He's predominantly a centre-back by trade. But we've shoehorned Ezri Konsa here as a full-back, although he's no stranger to operating as a right full-back.
Signed from Brentford in 2019, the 24-year-old has been a mainstay at the heart of their backline since then. He has played every minute of every league game this season until his red card against West Ham United last month.
That speaks volumes about his importance to their defence. Konsa uses his excellent reading of the game to time his tackles to perfection, and is also a strong header of the ball.
Unfortunately, his chances of breaking into Gareth Southgate's England squad appear slim for now. That's because of intense competition for places in both the centre-back and right-back positions.
Centre-back: Ibrahima Konate (France) - €35 million
When a big side like Liverpool spend £36 million for the acquisition of a 22-year-old, you know he's no ordinary talent. However, Ibrahima Konate has struggled to break into the XI since his switch from RB Leipzig.
With only three Premier League starts in the 2021-22 campaign, the young Frenchman is still fighting for his place in the Merseyside outfit's backline. But he is too talented for manager Jurgen Klopp to ignore him for too long.
Compared with Virgil van Dijk for his tackling, strength, positional play and pace, Konate is an intelligent player with tremendous potential. It's only a matter of time before he makes his France debut too.
Centre-back: Wesley Fofana (France) - €40 million
Wesley Fofana is yet to play a single minute in the 2021-22 season. That's because of a fibula fracture just a week before the start of the Premier League season.
However, the youngster played a big role in Leicester City's fifth-place finish last season. He has become a key player for them despite only moving from St. Etienne in 2020.
The 20-year-old has the potential to shine in Didider Deschamps' France squad. But given the sheer number of options in the centre-back position, it's unlikely he's going to be considered anytime soon.
As he is of Malian descent, he has the option of representing the African nation despite playing for France's under-23 side last year. It remains to be seen if he treads that route.
Left-back: Angelino (Spain) - €35 million
After struggling to find a permanent address early on in his career, Angelino has found a home in RB Leipzig. He has brought a new dimension to the side with his creativity and energetic runs down the flanks. He also possesses a keen eye for goal.
Last season, the Spaniard managed eight goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances in all competitions for the Red Bulls. That includes ten goal contributions in the Bundesliga.
So it's odd that Spain manager Luis Enrique hasn't found the player's stats impressive. Angelino has outshone Jose Gaya and Jordi Alba, Spain's current left-back choices, but he is not yet in Enrique's reckoning.
