Arne Slot Reveals Major Tactical Headache That's Haunting Liverpool

Liverpool boss Arne Slot confirmed he must deploy a midfielder alongside Virgil van Dijk in central defense for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Qarabağ following a defensive shortage that will certainly influence summer recruitment plans.

Ibrahima Konaté remains absent on compassionate leave following his father's passing, while Joe Gomez's hip problem picked up against Bournemouth will keep him out for the Azerbaijani side's visit. Slot expressed optimism that the adaptable defender would miss only "a relatively brief period," though this doesn't solve his immediate problem for the league phase conclusion at Anfield. Liverpool haven't yet secured automatic progression to the last 16.

With Konaté, Gomez, and long-term casualty Giovanni Leoni unavailable, Slot faces a direct decision between two makeshift solutions: Wataru Endo or Ryan Gravenberch.

Wataru Endo vs. Ryan Gravenberch

Wataru Endo vs. Ryan Gravenberch

Endo and Gravenberch represent vastly different player types. Five inches distinguish these natural midfielders, yet it's the shorter Japan skipper who might prove the more suitable option centrally.

Slot utilized Endo to cover for Gomez against Bournemouth, having regularly deployed the reliable playmaker in central defense on several occasions last campaign. The 32-year-old featured five times in defense for the current Premier League titleholders in 2025, though primarily in cup matches against weaker opponents.

Endo's excellent positioning stems from extensive experience in the role—throughout his professional career, the former Stuttgart mainstay has accumulated more appearances at center back (244) than in defensive midfield (212), according to Transfermarkt.

Wataru Endo Record at Centre Back

Wataru Endo Record at Centre Back

Endo's main limitation in that defensive role is his stature. Nevertheless, Qarabağ don't pose a significant aerial danger. The Champions League's unexpected contenders have conducted most of their play along the ground and haven't managed a single header goal in the tournament. Indeed, no team has recorded fewer headed attempts than Qarabağ's meager five.

Gravenberch's defensive experience contrasts sharply with Endo's credentials; the Netherlands star has never begun a match in that position for Liverpool. He has, though, been quickly moved into the backline on multiple occasions to allow Slot to introduce another attacker when pursuing a result.

Despite the composure he brings on the ball from deeper areas, Gravenberch's emergency positional changes have typically generated more disorder within Liverpool's defensive structure rather than troubling the opposing attack.

Liverpool's Summer Centre Back Targets

Liverpool's Summer Centre Back Targets

Liverpool cannot reasonably enter next season with the same restricted central defensive choices. Konaté's ongoing reluctance to extend his contract could further intensify the requirement for defensive additions should he depart as a free agent this summer.

Slot's primary center-back preference has already transferred to Manchester City. Nevertheless, there are additional possibilities beyond Marc Guéhi.

Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano might still become available through free agency. Sport BILD reported that the France defender has declined Bayern's most recent contract proposal, which the club has no plans to enhance.

Several Premier League-based players may have attracted Liverpool's attention, including Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi and Brighton & Hove Albion's Jan Paul van Hecke as two established talents in the league. For a younger acquisition, the Reds might consider Club Brugge's highly regarded Joel Ordóñez or, provocatively, Jérémy Jacquet.

The French defender has been extensively linked with a Chelsea move this January, though the Blues are reportedly reluctant to satisfy Rennes' valuation exceeding €60 million (£52.1 million, $71.8 million).

Liverpool have been mentioned as competing suitors, though their pursuit must wait until summer. This timing would certainly benefit Rennes, who are already resisting Manchester United's alleged interest in their forward Mohamed Kader Meïté.