'Why not make amends and get on with it?' - Shay Given on the deadline day mistake that is costing Liverpool defensively
Former Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given feels that Jurgen Klopp could have shored up his defence by holding onto one of his players on transfer deadline day.
While most Liverpool fans monitored the potential signing of Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, Mamadou Sakho was agreeing a transfer to Crystal Palace, where he won club Player of the Year last season while on loan.
Klopp was happy to be rid of the French international after losing patience with the 27-year-old's behaviour, but Given thinks that if Sakho had stayed at Anfield, he would be a better option than Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip, who comprise the centre of Liverpool's defence.
Speaking on eir Sport's coverage of the Reds' Champions League clash with Spartak Moscow tonight, Given outlined the possible mistake made by Klopp on deadline day.
"Sakho left on transfer deadline day," Given said.
"Obviously van Dijk was the big story - is he coming, is he not coming - but at that point they knew he was not coming. In my opinion Sakho is a better defender than any of the centre backs they have playing tonight. So why not think, we can't get van Dijk but there is a serious problem there so why not make amends with Sakho, water under the bridge, and get on with it. They need someone to clear the ball, head the ball and defend - old school."
