Liverpool ‘Must Sign’ this ‘Rapid’ £35m Defender to Replace Departing Star | OneFootball

Liverpool Must Move for Nico Schlotterbeck: The Ideal Replacement for Joe Gomez

The Liverpool summer transfer window is shaping up to be pivotal, and one of the key questions facing the club is how to replace Joe Gomez. With manager Arne Slot at the helm, the focus is on building a squad capable of contending both domestically and in Europe. According to Dave Davis and Dr Phil Barter on the Anfield Index podcast, Nico Schlotterbeck is emerging as a prime candidate to bolster Liverpool’s defensive line.

Schlotterbeck: A Profile of Consistency and Versatility

One of the most appealing aspects of Nico Schlotterbeck’s profile is his versatility and consistent performance. A left-footed centre-back from Borussia Dortmund, Schlotterbeck has proven himself at the top level in the Bundesliga. As Dr Phil Barter noted, “He’s clocked in over 2,000 minutes for five consecutive seasons,” highlighting his reliability and stamina – a key consideration for any Liverpool defender.

Liverpool’s defensive style under Arne Slot demands ball-playing centre-backs who can both carry the ball forward and execute precise long passes. Schlotterbeck excels in this regard, with Barter pointing out that his “progressive passes per 90 minutes rank in the 99th percentile” among centre-backs. This means he’s as comfortable playing out from the back as he is stepping into midfield to disrupt opposition attacks.

Photo: IMAGO

Why Gomez Needs Replacing

While Joe Gomez has served Liverpool admirably, there is a sense that his time at Anfield may be coming to an end. Injuries and inconsistent form have hindered his ability to lock down a starting spot, especially with the emergence of Ibrahima Konaté as a consistent performer. Dr Phil Barter addressed this bluntly, stating that “Gomez is the likely one to go,” emphasising that his aerial ability – a key requirement for Premier League centre-backs – has been notably weaker compared to other options.

Moreover, Schlotterbeck’s aerial prowess, while not elite, is comparable to Gomez. As Barter remarked, “His aerials are around 65%, which is about Gomez levels,” but crucially, Schlotterbeck compensates with his passing ability and positional awareness. His capacity to win key duels and break up play would offer Liverpool a reliable presence at the back, without sacrificing the ball-playing quality that Slot values.

Photo: IMAGO

The Price Is Right

From a financial perspective, Schlotterbeck represents a shrewd investment. With Borussia Dortmund reportedly willing to part with the German international for around £35 million, it aligns well with Liverpool’s prudent approach to the market. Davis stated, “The asking price of £35 million for a left-footed centre-back with his quality isn’t big money,” particularly considering that Joe Gomez would likely fetch a similar fee.

Liverpool’s transfer strategy has long been about balancing quality with value, and Schlotterbeck epitomises this ethos. As Davis pointed out, “If Gomez is going to go, it doesn’t sound like the worst thing in the world to bring in this boy.” With two years left on his contract, Dortmund are not in a position of power, giving Liverpool the upper hand in negotiations.

Fitting Into Slot’s System

Arne Slot’s tactical setup demands centre-backs who are not only solid defensively but also capable of launching attacks from the back. Schlotterbeck’s ability to hit progressive passes into midfield or even wide areas mirrors some of the long diagonals that made Virgil van Dijk so effective in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign. As Barter rightly highlighted, “He’s got a ping on him,” which will be crucial in maintaining Liverpool’s attacking transitions.

One potential drawback that was noted on the Anfield Index podcast is Schlotterbeck’s aerial ability. Although not as dominant as van Dijk, his capability is still a marked improvement over Gomez, and his speed offers added security against counter-attacks. As Barter concluded, “He’s rapid, hitting around 32 km/h,” which is well above average for a centre-back.

Conclusion: An Opportunity Liverpool Can’t Afford to Miss

Replacing Joe Gomez with Nico Schlotterbeck would be a calculated and intelligent move for Liverpool. The combination of progressive passing, defensive reliability, and a modest transfer fee makes him the ideal candidate to fill the void that Gomez would leave. Arne Slot’s evolving tactical approach necessitates a centre-back who can play out from the back and cover ground quickly – Schlotterbeck ticks both boxes.

With competition likely from other top clubs, Liverpool must act swiftly to secure his services. A partnership with van Dijk or Konaté would solidify the Reds’ defence for years to come. As Davis aptly put it, “If Gomez is going to go, bringing in this boy doesn’t sound like the worst thing in the world.” For a club intent on maintaining its status at the top of English football, this is one transfer that makes undeniable sense.