Virgil van Dijk is one of a generation of defenders liverpoolThe greatest player in modern history.

This season, however, he has revealed his mortal status, with Liverpool’s defensive injuries and general tactical problems Arne Slaughtermanagement leads to less successful Premier League Defending title.

Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table is unassailable and the Reds must now fight for it Champions League Qualify while competing for trophies in Europe’s elite club competition and the FA Cup.

However, the likes of Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher are concerned that even with a statement signed on deadline day, Anfield still has deficiencies in defense.

How Liverpool reshaped their defense

Ibrahima Konat The contract is set to expire at the end of the season and, despite FSG’s best efforts, it appears that a solution cannot be reached with the French centre-back.

Liverpool will not receive a transfer fee, but they have already received good value for money, with Konate helping to secure last season’s Premier League title alongside Van Dijk and having previously lifted the trophy.

Konate will be replaced by compatriot Jeremy Jacquet, 20, who has just completed a £60m move to Merseyside, with Liverpool beating Chelsea after the Blues were considered the front-runners for the Rennes star.

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Jacquet is a man for the future but is also considered to be ready for the Premier League in 2026, with a Konate-esque style of athleticism and agile defensive style that would make Van Dijk proud as he enters the final stages of his illustrious Liverpool campaign next year.

Liverpool’s defensive weakness has been a major flashpoint all season, but with Jacquet set to join Giovanni Leoni next season, there’s plenty to be excited about.

Leonie, of course, has become a forgotten man. The teenager tore his ACL on his debut against Southampton and will not return until the early months of the 2026/27 season. However, the Italian has been praised for great things and could form a long-term partnership with Jacquet.

However, FSG have equipped the Premier League side with higher quality defenders. In fact, one of the young defenders signed last month could develop into the same star as those high-profile additions.

Liverpool sign Van Dijk-like defender

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has been criticized for failing to solve Liverpool’s defensive problems. To be fair, Slott is just one step away from an injury to Van Dijk or Konate that would put him at risk in the crucial months to come.

While this is a potential issue that Liverpool need to address internally, Ifeanyi N’Dukwe could help replace a mainstay at the back. He is described as “One of Austria’s most exciting young talentsScout Jacek Kulig has agreed to join Liverpool from Austria Vienna at the end of the 2025/26 season for just under £3m.

The 17-year-old already has a wealth of experience in his home country and while he is yet to break into Vienna’s first-team squad, that could change over the coming months ahead of a major move.

Although Konate’s performances have been littered with errors, he has proven himself to be strong and imperious in duels this season, and with Jacquet regarded as a dueling centre-back, a rookie like Ndukwe will need to excel in the academy over the next few years if he is to take a starring role under Slaughter.

The great thing about this shrewd deal from FSG is that Ndukwe won’t face any external pressure to break into the big stage anytime soon. The vast majority of Premier League fans, and probably many Liverpool supporters, don’t know this name yet.

But Hughes and his colleagues believe they’ll get there soon. After all, the defender had analyst Raj Chohan calling him “Feels like Van Dyke”, whose long frame and calm defensive approach suggest he has the perfect skillset to succeed in the Premier League.

Standing at 6ft 5in, Ndukwe is bound to develop the aerial ability that Van Dijk has mastered over the years in England, while his pace and passing adds further foundation to a bow that seems tailor-made for Premier League football.

Of course, his fitness and maturity as a footballer are still improving, but Ndukwe’s potential to become a superstar for Liverpool is a reminder that the club has secured a successful new backline for years to come.

We can only hope that the options available will prevent this ship from sinking in the coming months.

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