Pundit says unseen Liverpool man can spring ‘good surprise’ to Klopp
Pundit Frank Leboeuf believes that centre-back Ben Davies could bring a “good surprise” to Liverpool when he makes his debut.
Liverpool have suffered a catastrophic defensive injury crisis this season, losing all three senior defenders to long-term injury.
However, their problems run even deeper than that. Midfielders Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have become the chief back-up, but both have now suffered injury of their own.
It remains unclear when Fabinho will return, but Henderson will be out for a good while yet. As such, Lebouef has called on manager Klopp to use January recruit Davies.
The 25-year-old suffered a knock of his own, but has since recovered.
The pundit told ESPN: “He got Davies in the winter time. But now he [Henderson] is injured.
“Davies was signed for that. He has to be tried. He is a central defender and we could get a good surprise.”
Former Preston man Davies is one of four centre-backs Klopp still has at his disposal. However, they all lack senior experience.
'Great Liverpool opportunities for Ben Davies, Ozan Kabak' - Dirk Kuyt
Former Liverpool players Dirk Kuyt, Glen Johnson and David James reflect on the club's Deadline Day signings of Ben Davies and Ozan Kabak.
Nathaniel Phillips only made his Premier League debut in October, but has now become the most experienced player at the back.
Ozan Kabak, meanwhile, has had a mixed start to life as a Liverpool player. He endured a shaky debut away at Leicester, before putting in a solid performance against RB Leipzig.
As for Liverpool’s injured cohort, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez remain out for the season. However, there is slim hope that Virgil van Dijk could return before the end of the season.
Nevertheless, Klopp has stressed that he does not expect the Netherlands captain to make it back before next term.
Report claims Klopp impressed by White
Meanwhile, reports claim that Klopp has become further impressed by Brighton defender Ben White.
Amid his side’s injury crisis, Liverpool could make a move for a top centre-back in the summer.
Speculation has claimed that White has been on the Reds’ radar for some time and his performance at Anfield recently reportedly had Klopp enthused.