Aldridge suggests Kalidou Koulibaly as replacement for Lovren

Former Liverpool forward John Aldridge has called on Jurgen Klopp to seek out a new centre-back to replace Dejan Lovren, branding the Croatian a “weak link” for the Reds.

Lovren limped off within the first five minutes in last night’s FA Cup loss to Wolves, but played the full 90 against Manchester City in the previous match, in which he was beaten by Sergio Aguero for City’s opener.

And Aldridge believes Liverpool must now look to spend big on a suitable replacement for Lovren if they are to become long-term title contenders, suggesting defender Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli as a possible target for the Reds.

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WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: Dejan Lovren of Liverpool receives help before leaving the pitch injured during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool at Molineux on January 7, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

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“This is not a moment for Liverpool to hit the panic button, but I would urge the club to consider making a move in the transfer market that could allow them to fit the final piece of a title-winning jigsaw into place,” Aldridge said, as quoted by the Irish Independent.

“Dejan Lovren was a weak link in the defence once again as Jurgen Klopp’s men lost their first Premier League game of the season at Manchester City on Thursday. And I suspect the Croatian will need to be replaced sooner rather than later if this team are to turn potential into success.

“We have seen the impact made by Virgil van Dijk since his £75m arrival last January and I wonder whether a move for a powerhouse defender like Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly could give Klopp’s side the bit they need at the back.

“Top-quality opposition continue to getjoy out of targeting Lovren, as he as a tendency to lose concentration and this is why I believe Van Dijk needs an A-list defensive partner.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com