How Liverpool can replace Van Dijk and Robertson with ONE player

Liverpool have left themselves with an uphill task this summer, as a number of players are set to leave upon the expiration of their contracts and others have proven they don't have what it takes to succeed on Merseyside any longer.

As such, the club is expected to spend like never before, to address the needs of the squad that have been long overlooked.

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The offensive line needs reinforcements, and Anfield Watch understands that Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz are all at risk of being moved on.

In addition, the left-back position has been left to rot over the last few years and a centre-back hasn't been bought for seven transfer windows, creating a significant headache for Arne Slot, who knows that Virgil Van Dijk might also move on if a new contract isn't agreed.

However, solutions are available on the transfer market and now that Michael Edwards is back at the helm of Liverpool's executive hierarchy, there is cause to be optimistic.

One player who would be perfect for Slot's system was front and centre in Germany's win against Italy in the Nations League last night and Liverpool have been linked with him in the past.

Schlotterbeck to replace Van Dijk AND Robertson

Recent reports over the last few weeks have tied Nico Schlotterbeck with a move away from Dortmund, with Liverpool appearing to be one of his great admirers, and for good reason.

The German centre-back is only 25 years old, he's got a wealth of experience in the Bundesliga, in European competitions, and in international tournaments for his country, and the stats back up just how impressive he is on the eye.

He ranks in the top 10 for defensive duels won and interceptions, alongside leading the charts for progressive passes and passes into the final third. The man is an absolute monster in defence, much like the Liverpool captain who he will hopefully be replacing.

But last night when Germany took to the pitch in their Nations League quarter-final against Italy, the players' estimations went up two-fold, showcasing his ability to play left-back as well as centre-back.

In the 90 minutes, he delivered one clearance, one interception, three tackles, one key pass, seven accurate long balls, and two successful dribbles, winning eight of his 13 duels throughout the night.

For a player who plays typically deep as a centre-back, that is a really impressive performance as a full-back who was both defensively sound and threatening going forward.

Andy Robertson is a name that Liverpool fans have begun to grow tired of when it comes to assessing where Liverpool's performances have fallen short this season, as the Scottish international is increasingly prone to make mistakes which have cost his side in crucial moments.

Nonetheless, Kostas Tsimikas has failed to really make the left-back position his own either, leading to speculation that the Reds will attempt to bring someone in during the summer to freshen up the defence.

Previously, Schlotterbeck was looked at as a potential Van Dijk successor, and if the Dutchman leaves, then it is clear that a player of the German's stature will be needed to replace him. But it was previously considered that a centre-back was required even before the possibility of Van Dijk leaving was understood.

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However, while his €50m fee might have been previously looked at as a hefty figure, now that the player has demonstrated his ability to play two defensive positions, the club's decision might be a no-brainer.

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