Liverpool has begun a generational change in the forwards and midfielders. The next point of reinforcement is the final line, where center backs Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip, now 32 years old, and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s reserve are high priorities.
On the other hand, Andy Robertson is nearing 30 and Kostas Tsimikas is 27, creating the need to lower the average age in positions where athleticism is required. Youngsters such as Luke Chambers and Calum Scanlon are beginning to emerge, but they have a long way to go to establish themselves in the first team.
Liverpool may be looking to acquire a left back. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool, Burnley, and Manchester City are watching the development of 21-year-old defender Ian Maatsen, who has been underperforming at Chelsea.
The player joined Chelsea in 2018, but was repeatedly loaned out as the highly competitive Chelsea side failed to even make the first team. Last season, he joined Championship-winning Burnley on loan and was instrumental in their championship-winning campaign, scoring four goals and assisting six in 42 games.
This season, he returned to Chelsea and has been a first-team player, but has played less than 10 minutes in the Premier League in many games. The Dutch U-21 defender, who has been a cup contender and is under contract until 2025, could leave the team this winter in search of more playing time.
He has been up and down the left flank with his speedy attack and abundant athleticism. Burnley tried to complete the move this summer, but the player wants to avoid a club that has just been promoted and move to a higher level club.
At the moment, the Scottish captain is still alive and well, and the Greek defender is performing reasonably well. With the presence of youngsters, the urgency is not as great as in the case of center backs.
Still, with an eye on the future, will Liverpool ever embark on the acquisition of a 21-year-old sideback with experience in the Premier League?