Anfield Index
·22 December 2024
Anfield Index
·22 December 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of Premier League football, where squad depth and tactical flexibility are paramount, Liverpool’s recent struggles to fill the left-back position have been a topic of intense scrutiny. According to a recent article by The Express, Liverpool and Manchester United are in the hunt for a specialist left-back, with Ben Chilwell emerging as a potential solution.
Once hailed as a crucial element of Chelsea’s Champions League triumph, Ben Chilwell now finds himself on the peripheries at Stamford Bridge. His limited game time this season—just 45 minutes in a 5-0 thrashing of Barrow in the Carabao Cup—speaks volumes about his current standing. Despite his scant appearances, the talent that once made him a mainstay on Chelsea’s flank remains undeniable, but his form and fitness is a huge concern.
Photo: IMAGO
Liverpool’s makeshift solutions, including utilising players out of position, have not gone unnoticed. The Express cites Jamie Carragher’s critique, highlighting the need for Liverpool to provide Andrew Robertson with competent backup, pointing to Chilwell as a beacon of hope for this role.
A move to Anfield could represent a significant turn in Chilwell’s career. An opportunity to revive his standing in top-flight football is on the cards, with Liverpool offering a platform that could see him return to his best form. The report suggests that Chilwell could not only compete with Robertson but also offer fresh tactical options to Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot.
The notion of Chilwell joining Liverpool has been met with mixed reactions. However, the potential for him to reinvent himself under Slot’s guidance, known for his ability to rejuvenate careers, is an intriguing prospect. The tactical shift that Chilwell could bring to Liverpool, providing both defensive solidity and an attacking threat on the left, could be the solution Liverpool has been searching for.
As a staunch Liverpool supporter, there’s always a bit of scepticism when it comes to signing players who haven’t had much game time recently. Ben Chilwell’s situation at Chelsea is a concern—how can a player contribute to Liverpool’s ambitious goals if he’s barely kicked a ball in competitive football this season?
Yes, Chilwell was a key figure in Chelsea’s Champions League win, but that’s in the past. His current form, or lack thereof, doesn’t inspire confidence. While the need for a specialist left-back is glaring, betting on Chilwell feels like a gamble. Can he regain his form quickly enough to make a difference? Or will he be another high-profile signing that fails to meet the expectations at Anfield?
This is a gamble in a season where stability and performance are crucial from the get-go. Liverpool needs a player ready to perform now, not one who might come good. We highly doubt that Liverpool will make a move for Chilwell and see the likes of Milos Kerkez and Rayan Ait-Nouri as much better options.