liverpool After a terrible fall, we have accepted the onslaught of winter and firmly stayed away Premier League Arsenal and Manchester City are ready to once again compete for gold and the title.

although Arne Slaughter Frustrated by his side’s failure to break into the mix after comfortably finishing first last season, the severity of Liverpool’s decline will shift his focus to simply staying put and avoiding being cut down, with many growing increasingly dissatisfied with the Dutchman’s reign after so many defeats and so many poor performances.

Liverpool enter 2026 in a better position, fourth in the league table and with a chance to create some breathing space against fifth-placed Chelsea, who are two points behind and drew at home to Bournemouth on Tuesday night.

Defensively, there is much to be desired, and Liverpool have also been plagued by injuries. Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konat Stay away from the turmoil. Cue the January transfer window.

Liverpool ready to sign a centre-back

Liverpool came within a whisker of signing Crystal Palace captain Marc Gheihy during the summer transfer window, but they may face a tougher task convincing him to join on a free transfer next summer. Real Madrid boosts interest.

Indeed, with a number of elite suitors lining up for the England international and Liverpool now in need of a new centre-back, it is perhaps understandable to name an alternative.

According to Mick Brown of Football InsiderBrighton star Jan-Paul van Herk is on that list, with the Dutchman having impressed on the south coast over the past few years.

Van Herk is embroiled in a contract dispute with his employers and, given that he is entering the penultimate year of his contract, FSG and sporting director Richard Hughes could launch an attack at any time if they are encouraged.

Tottenham Hotspur also have a vested interest in the 25-year-old, who is Worth around £40m.

Why Van Herk is the perfect fit for Liverpool

Brighton signed Van Herk from NAC Breda in 2020 and after a series of basic loan spells he has become a regular fixture in the Seagulls’ Premier League side, making 88 appearances in the top flight, scoring four goals and providing two assists.

Granted, he still needs to improve, but data-driven website FBref points out that Van Herk has tactical similarities with Gersh, ranking in the top 3% for progressive passes per 90 seconds, the top 1% for progressive ball possession, and the top 19% for ball recovery.

In addition, he also scores goals, scoring 3 goals in 18 league games this season.

Possessing superior technical ability and the ability to impress both offensively and defensively, Van Herk could even emulate his compatriot Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool.

Van Dijk is 34 years old and Liverpool need to sign a long-term replacement as soon as possible. With a wealth of Premier League experience and the potential to achieve further success in the coming years, Van Herk could be the perfect complement to first learn from Van Dijk’s technical achievements before taking his place.

After all, Van Herk is also an excellent defender. According to Sofascore, he has won 67% of ground duels in the Premier League this season.

Liverpool have been beaten down by set pieces on a number of occasions this season and it’s clear that fresh players are needed to counter the biggest threat to the stability of the backline.

Is he a finished product? Not really, but Van Herck is known as “absolutely crazy” Defender of former striker Pierre van Hooijdonk, his style is characterized by exceptional energy and athleticism, which shows he is suitable for a club like Liverpool.

There’s definitely something like Guesch in him, but Van Herk could actually become Liverpool’s best defender since Virgil van Dijk with a move to Merseyside.

The Dutchman not only shares citizenship with Liverpool’s inspirational captain. He is excellent on the ball and is astonishing in the air and is a prime example of a Premier League centre-back who aspires to reach the top.

With Liverpool also poaching him from the south coast, Van Herk could be capable of becoming a new version of the Dutch legend at Anfield.

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