Guehi signs and Zubimendi performs U-turn – How Slot can solve his Liverpool complaints

Arne Slot earned a winning start as Liverpool boss but complained that his team did not win enough duels in their 2-0 victory over Ipswich last Saturday. The Dutchman hauled off Jarell Quansah at half-time and replaced the defender with Ibrahima Konate, who he felt would negate the physical threat of Liam Delap.

Express Sport looks at a couple of ways Liverpool can solve Slot’s problem in the final week of the transfer window.

Marc Guehi signs

Liverpool are understood to have monitored Marc Guehi’s situation this summer. There has been no formal interest in the Crystal Palace star but there remains a sense that the Reds could enter the picture before the transfer deadline.

Despite a lack of height, Guehi is an excellent duel-winner and has kept some of the most physical centre-forwards quiet during his time at Selhurst Park. His excellent ability on the ball would make him the ideal partner for Virgil van Dijk.

The 24-year-old would come for a princely sum, with Palace demanding at least £65m. But with Newcastle hesitant over a deal, Liverpool could have the perfect opportunity to sign the England international.

Martin Zubimendi U-turn

A combative midfielder was high on Liverpool’s agenda at the start of the summer but the Reds seem to have moved on from that priority after Martin Zubimendi snubbed a switch to Anfield. A £51m deal was all but agreed before the Spaniard decided to remain in Spain.

Zubimendi might still be persuaded to U-turn on that stance, though. His arrival would give Slot’s back four more protection than they currently have. Endo Wataru remains the club’s only recognised defensive midfielder, and does not appear to be a major part of his manager’s plans.

The addition of a defensive midfielder would ease the pressure on Liverpool’s defenders and help them win the ball higher up the pitch. But they must convince Zubimendi to join in the next week.

Show patience in Quansah

Quansah showed plenty of promise under Jurgen Klopp and it spoke volumes that he was selected ahead of Konate for Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Ipswich. Slot clearly sees potential in the 21-year-old.

The Liverpool manager has promised an evolution rather than a revolution and there will be teething problems along the way. Showing patience in young players must be part of that plan. There are few better development tools for Quansah than learning on the job alongside Van Dijk.