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The self-proclaimed 'best defender in the world' has had a great year so far, being able to take his national side all the way to the FIFA World Cup finale, something that wasn't expected from the Croatians. In addition, Lovren also led his underrated Liverpool squad to the Champions League finals.
No matter how good of a defender he is, Lovren surely lacks the consistency required as a football player, as his performance graph hasn't been something that he can be proud of. With his experience aside, the Croation is yet to win a major trophy with the English giants. While Joe Gomez is being looked at as the backup for Lovren, he mainly functions as a fullback and does not specialize as a center-back.
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Here are 5 players who can possibly replace the Croatian and take up his place as a center-back. Depending on their age, they can be a long-term replacement for the 29-year-old.
#5 Malang Sarr - Nice
There is no doubt that the young French International is one of the best young defenders in the world and has been chased by the likes of Chelsea and Barcelona as a long-term replacement for their aging defenders. Sarr could easily combine with Virgil van Dijk in order to develop an extremely tight defense as he can also switch to a defensive midfielder totally depending on the situation.
Sarr's versatility as a defender will be his biggest strength, switching from the full-back positions to a deep-lying center-half would be something that Klopp can take advantage of. In place of Dejan Lovren, the Frenchmen can do wonders. However, it wouldn't be easy to sign him, as there have been multiple clubs looking to get his signature on board. Liverpool will have to push forward fast.
#4 Milan Skriniar - Internazionale
While Manchester United and Barcelona are adding their interests in order to grab the signature of the Slovak international, Jurgen Klopp could do himself a favor and join the race in order to sign one of the most consistent defenders in Europe. The 23-year-old has been quite the sensation, as his tall stature and an extremely strong presence has allowed him to be one of the most chased players of the season. In addition, his ability to read the game could be something that can come in handy for the newly resurrected Liverpool side.
While his €50million price tag is something that Klopp needs to watch out for, it could be yet another record-breaking deal for the Reds as they could sign another top defender, who can then join forces with van Dijk to build one of the best defenses in all of Europe.
#3 Jose Maria Gimenez - Atletico Madrid
Truth be told, signing the Uruguayan would be an extremely difficult task for Jurgen Klopp, as Gimenez stands out to be one of Diego Simeone's most important players, the offer will have to be more than just a record-breaking deal. However, with the right price, he can surely head to Anfield. If that is to happen, the combination of the two most expensive center-backs in the world would make Liverpool one of the most feared teams in all of football.
Gimenez is known for his aggression as a defender. The fact that he was able to form an 'unbreachable' defense combining with his national teammate Diego Godin is a prowess that most of the top players don't want to face. The Uruguayan could be an extremely powerful replacement for Lovren, as he is way more consistent and aggressive as a center-back.
#2 Jonathan Tah - Bayer Leverkusen
The German has been on the radar of Jurgen Klopp in recent times, and could possibly leave his current club this January. Tah is an extremely strong defender at an extremely early age, as he has established himself amongst the best defenders in all of Europe. When talking about a long-term replacement for Dejan Lovern, there can be no doubt that Tah should be the man to look forward to.
He is yet another important defender for Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool would have to make a reasonable offer in order to complete this particular deal. With his arrival at Anfield, the defense could be revamped and Liverpool can then have the youngest, most consistent defense in all of the Premier League. He can also play as a left-back or as a defensive midfielder, as his versatility allows him to switch positions during the game.
#1 Marquinhos - Paris Saint Germain
The €55million rated defender followed an extremely disappointing campaign at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where Brazil, who were the favorites to win the FIFA World Cup ended their campaign in total disarray. However, this does not deny the fact that the Brazilian defender is an extremely powerful prowess and can be an asset for Liverpool due to his pace and versatility.
As a long-term replacement, the Brazilian center-back can't disappoint. With van Dijk by his side, the duo can dismantle some of the best attacks not just in the Premier League, but also in some of the major football tournaments. It would only be 'dream come true' moment for Klopp to see this particular deal taking the shape. While PSG looks forward to establishing themselves in the Champions League, Marquinhos can make the difference if he is to arrive at the Anfield.
