Premier League 2018-19: 3 defenders Liverpool could target in January

Liverpool are in brilliant form this season and are at the top of the Premier League table. The Reds are the only unbeaten side in the English top division this term, and have conceded only eight goals in the opening 20 games.

The Merseyside-based club are the favorites to win the league this season and will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table when they play Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium later tonight.

However, the Reds have faced a defensive crisis during the last few weeks due to injuries to Joel Matip and Joe Gomez. That left them with Virgil van Dijk and Dejan Lovren as the only senior centre-backs.

Nevertheless, the January transfer window is open now and Jurgen Klopp could use this as an opportunity to add further depth in the defensive positions and make the team strong enough to lift the Premier League title this term.

On that note, here is a list of three centre-backs Liverpool could target in the on-going January transfer window.

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#3 James Tarkowski

James Tarkowski impressed with his performances last season

Burnley performed way above expectations last season and qualified for the Europa League by finishing seventh in the Premier League. Often criticized for their lack of goals, Burnley's defensive record was terrific during the 2017-18 season; they conceded just 39 goals, which was just one goal more than Liverpool (38 goals).

The England international James Tarkowski played a vital role in their success and attracted attention from a number of big clubs across Europe with his performances. Tarkowski made 42 blocks in the PL last season and also completed 32 tackles.

The 26-year old is an old-fashioned defender who adopts a no-nonsense approach while defending. His strength in the air and ability to read the game are exceptional, and he would be a perfect backup defender for the Reds for the rest of the season.

#2 Jamaal Lascelles

Jamaal Lascelles has done a decent job for Newcastle United in recent years

Jamaal Lascelles has been a vital player for Newcastle United ever since his move from Nottingham Forest in 2014. He played a vital role in his team's survival in the Premier League last season.

Lascelles may not be as skilled as other centre-backs, but he has a reasonable amount of Premier League experience and can provide a lot of squad depth for Liverpool as they look to end their Premier League title drought this season.

The 25-year-old is good in the air, frequently comes up with crunching tackles, and has displayed immense leadership skills since taking the captain's arm-band in 2016.

However, the England youth international recently signed a new long-term contract with the Magpies, and this could force the Reds to pay some extra money to secure his services. Nevertheless, he is a good player and possesses the potential to become a vital player for Liverpool in the years to come.

#1 Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt is among the best young defenders in the world

Ajax's centre-back is among the best young defenders in Europe right now, and he has already been capped 13 times for Netherlands' senior team despite being just 19 years of age.

Matthijs de Ligt has been with the Amsterdam-based club since the age of nine, and he made his senior debut during the 2016-17 season. He impressed in the 11 appearances he made that season and won the AFC Ajax Talent for the Future 2016 accolade for his performances.

The Dutch international continued his growth the following season and cemented his place in the Ajax starting XI. He played 33 league games during the 2017-2018 season and won the AFC Ajax Talent of the Year 2018 award along with the Dutch Footballer of the Year Bronze Boot.

The 19-year-old has been being linked with a move away from the Ajax arena the last few weeks, and it will be interesting to see whether Ajax will be able to keep hold of their talented youngster beyond the January transfer window.