Scouting the Future: A Comprehensive Profile and Player Analysis of Liverpool’s Center-Back Targets

As one of the Premier League’s most successful and ambitious clubs, Liverpool FC’s pursuit of defensive reinforcements has become a key talking point in recent transfer windows. With the ever-evolving nature of football and the demands of top-tier competition, strengthening the centre-back position remains a priority for Arne Slot’s squad. This article delves deep into the profiles and playing styles of the key centre-back targets that could bolster Liverpool’s defensive ranks in the coming seasons. By analysing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential fit within Slot’s tactical framework, we provide a comprehensive overview of the players that could shape the future of Liverpool’s backline. From established talents to promising newcomers, join us as we scout the next potential stars to don the famous red shirt at Anfield.

Firstly, we need to look at what Liverpool Head Coach, Arne Slot, wants from his central defenders. The most effective way to see this in action is to analyse the central defenders the Dutch manager utilised at his former club, Feyenoord.

During the 2023/24 Eredivisie season, Feyenoord’s defensive strategies under manager Arne Slot were pivotal in securing both the KNVB Cup and the Johan Cruyff Shield. Central to this success were two key centre-backs: Dávid Hancko and Thomas Beelen. While Slot’s tactical framework emphasised high pressing, structured build-up play, and positional fluidity, Hancko and Beelen showcased contrasting attributes that complemented each other in the defensive unit.

Hancko was integral to Feyenoord’s build-up play, often positioned in a left-sided centre-back role within a 3-3-2-3 formation. His ability to carry the ball forward and execute precise passes facilitated the team’s transition from defence to attack. Defensively, Hancko’s positioning and aerial prowess provided stability, allowing his teammates to engage in high pressing without compromising the defensive structure.

Beelen was deployed as the right-sided centre-back, often tasked with aggressive pressing and wide positioning. His proactive approach sometimes saw him step out of the defensive line to challenge opponents, reflecting Slot’s high-pressing philosophy. While this strategy disrupted opposition attacks, it occasionally left spaces behind for counterattacks.

Under Arne Slot’s tactical guidance, both Hancko and Beelen played pivotal roles in Feyenoord’s defensive strategies. Hancko’s composed and versatile approach provided a stabilising presence, while Beelen’s aggressive defending embodied the high-pressing ethos central to Slot’s philosophy. Together, they formed a complementary partnership, balancing stability with dynamism and contributing significantly to Feyenoord’s domestic successes during the 2023/24 season.

Now, having established what is required for an Arne Slot central defender, we will take a look at a comparison between both our current options in Virgil van Dijk, and then compare them to how Slot used both Hancko and Beelen.

Dean Huijsen – Bournemouth – £50million Release Clause

Standing at 1.95 meters (6’5″), Huijsen possesses a solid physical presence but is also noted for his intelligence on the ball. His playstyle is marked by his excellent positioning, strong aerial ability, and impressive decision-making. Despite his relatively young age, Huijsen has shown maturity in his performances, playing with confidence and composure in defensive situations.

Huijsen made his Premier League debut during the 2023/2024 season, quickly establishing himself as a reliable and composed figure in the heart of Bournemouth’s defence. His technical skills—particularly his passing range and calmness under pressure—make him a key asset in both defensive situations and in initiating attacks from the back.

While Huijsen has the potential to develop into a defender like van Dijk, the most immediate difference is Van Dijk’s experience and leadership. Van Dijk’s ability to dictate a game and his unmatched confidence in high-pressure situations are traits Huijsen can learn from. However, Huijsen shares Van Dijk’s impressive ability in aerial duels and strong positioning, but his leadership and influence on the game still have room for development.

Huijsen and Hancko share similar attributes in terms of composure and technical ability on the ball. Both are proficient in ball distribution and have good aerial ability. However, Hancko’s ability to play in a high-pressing system and his versatility in defensive roles give him an edge in tactical adaptability. Huijsen’s potential lies in refining his tactical awareness to match Hancko’s versatility.

Beelen’s aggressive defensive style contrasts with Huijsen’s more composed approach. While Huijsen is more about reading the game and staying composed under pressure, Beelen excels in tackling and disrupting play. Huijsen will likely need to balance his composure with moments of aggression, which would help him evolve into a more complete defender like Beelen, especially when dealing with physical forwards.

Dean Huijsen’s potential is undeniable. His ability to read the game, paired with strong ball distribution and aerial prowess, places him in a favourable position to develop into one of Europe’s top centre-backs. Comparing him with players like Virgil van Dijk, Dávid Hancko, and Thomas Beelen highlights different aspects of his game that can evolve. While van Dijk provides an example of leadership and aerial dominance, Hancko’s technical ability and adaptability can serve as an inspiration for Huijsen’s development. Beelen’s aggressive style also offers something for Huijsen to consider as he refines his approach to physical duels.

Castello Lukeba – RB Leipzig – £75million Release Clause

Standing at 1.85 meters (6’1″), Castello Lukeba has already demonstrated that he has the physical presence to thrive at the top level. His agility, pace, and strength give him the tools to handle a variety of attackers, while his intelligence on the ball makes him an integral part of Leipzig’s tactical setup. Unlike many centre-backs who rely solely on brute strength, Lukeba’s skill set is rounded with an impressive ability to read the game, intercept passes, and distribute the ball effectively.

Lukeba’s main role at RB Leipzig involves being part of a high-pressing defensive unit that also emphasises the importance of ball-playing ability from the back. This suits his style, as he is comfortable with the ball at his feet, whether it’s playing short passes in tight spaces or distributing long balls to switch the play. His rapid development has seen him take on a leadership role in Leipzig’s backline, where his composure under pressure and keen positioning have helped him excel at the top level.

Lukeba shares some of the same qualities as van Dijk, particularly in terms of composure and awareness. Both can read the game at a high level, which allows them to anticipate danger and intercept passes effectively. However, van Dijk’s experience and leadership make him a more complete player at the moment. While Lukeba possesses the same physical tools and ball-playing abilities as van Dijk, he is still developing his leadership skills and mental resilience in high-pressure situations.

Lukeba and Hancko share a similar ball-playing ability and technical skill in passing, both being key figures in their teams’ transitions from defence to attack. However, Hancko has more experience playing in a high-pressing system, which allows him to operate with greater tactical flexibility. Lukeba, while capable of playing in a possession-based system, could benefit from Hancko’s adaptability and ability to play in different roles within the defensive line.

Beelen’s aggressive, high-pressing style contrasts with Lukeba’s more composed approach. While Lukeba is more focused on reading the game and maintaining a strong defensive position, Beelen thrives in stepping out and challenging attackers directly. Lukeba could learn from Beelen’s aggressive style, particularly in situations where a more proactive approach to defending is needed. However, Lukeba’s calmness and tactical discipline give him an edge in situations where a more measured approach is required.

Castello Lukeba is undoubtedly one of the most promising young centre-backs in Europe, with the potential to reach the highest levels of the game. His combination of technical ability, athleticism, and defensive awareness places him in the company of top defenders like Virgil van Dijk, David Hancko, and Thomas Beelen. While van Dijk remains the benchmark for leadership, composure, and aerial dominance, Lukeba has shown the necessary qualities to eventually develop into a similarly complete defender.

Compared to Hancko and Beelen, Lukeba’s strengths lie in his composure and ability to read the game, whereas Hancko’s passing range and Beelen’s aggressive, high-pressing style offer different ways of impacting the game defensively. As Lukeba continues to develop at RB Leipzig, his versatility and potential for growth suggest that he will soon be a key player for both his club and country, with his future in the game looking incredibly bright.

Yann Aurel Bisseck – Inter Milan – £42million

Bisseck has had a solid career trajectory, starting his youth career in Germany before moving to the professional ranks. His transition to Inter Milan has been marked by a steep learning curve, as he adapts to the tactical and physical demands of Serie A. While he’s still a young player, Bisseck’s ability to handle top-tier forwards in tight situations, coupled with his technical proficiency, makes him a potential fixture in the centre of Inter’s defence for years to come.

At 1.90 meters (6’3″) and with a muscular frame, Bisseck is highly effective in aerial duels. His strength, combined with good timing, allows him to dominate physically against attackers, particularly in set-piece situations. His agility and ability to cover ground quickly, along with his keen awareness of the game, allow him to recover from difficult situations and neutralise counterattacks.

Bisseck is also adept at playing out from the back, which is an essential trait in modern defenders. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet, often acting as a deep-lying playmaker from the back. His distribution is solid, and he has the vision to pick out long passes or play short, precise balls to his midfielders. His composure in possession, despite his youth, allows him to remain calm under pressure and maintain control in high-stakes moments.

While Bisseck shares many attributes with van Dijk, particularly in terms of defensive awareness and ball distribution, there are key differences. Van Dijk’s leadership, decision-making, and vast experience at the highest level set him apart from Bisseck. However, Bisseck’s physicality and composure under pressure are traits that could develop further as he gains experience. Van Dijk’s expertise in organising a defence and his presence in crucial moments will be something Bisseck can aspire to as his career progresses.

Bisseck shares some similarities with Hancko in terms of their ball-playing abilities and composure. However, Hancko’s passing range and technical precision are more refined, making him an exceptional distributor from the back. While Bisseck is still developing his passing range, he has the physicality and defensive intelligence to develop into a player with similar strengths as Hancko.

Bisseck shares similar physical attributes with Beelen, particularly in terms of their aerial dominance and presence in duels. However, Beelen’s more aggressive style of defending contrasts with Bisseck’s more composed approach. Bisseck tends to wait for the right moment to intercept or challenge, whereas Beelen’s aggressive style means he frequently takes the initiative. Bisseck could learn from Beelen’s proactive defending and try to incorporate more aggression into his own game.

Yann Aurel Bisseck is a highly promising centre-back whose physicality, intelligence, and ball-playing abilities make him one of the most exciting young defenders in Europe. While he shares many traits with established stars like Virgil van Dijk, Dávid Hancko, and Thomas Beelen, he is still developing his game and learning from his more experienced counterparts. His combination of size, composure, and technical skills places him in a strong position to become a top defender in the coming years.

Van Dijk’s leadership, Hancko’s passing range, and Beelen’s aggressive defending offer qualities that Bisseck can develop as he matures. With his solid defensive foundations and technical ability, Bisseck has the potential to join the ranks of the world’s best centre-backs, following in the footsteps of these established players.

The comparisons between Yann Aurel Bisseck, Dean Huijsen, and Castello Lukeba highlight the diverse skill sets and styles that each player brings to the table, while also showcasing their potential to become top-tier defenders in European football.

Yann Aurel Bisseck stands out for his physicality, defensive solidity, and composure on the ball. His aerial dominance and ability to read the game position him as a strong all-around defender, with room to grow in his distribution and leadership. Bisseck’s development at Inter Milan is particularly promising, as he adapts to a more tactical style of play in Serie A.

Dean Huijsen, while perhaps not as physically imposing as Bisseck, shows a similar level of technical ability and intelligence. His calmness on the ball and composure in pressure situations make him an intriguing prospect, especially for teams that prioritise playing out from the back. With his good reading of the game, Huijsen has the potential to become a key defensive figure, though he will need to develop further in terms of physicality and aerial prowess.

Castello Lukeba, meanwhile, offers an intriguing combination of speed, agility, and tactical awareness. His ability to cover ground quickly, paired with his growing ball-playing capabilities, gives him the tools to thrive in a high-pressing system. Like the other two, Lukeba’s youth is an asset, but his raw athleticism combined with his composure under pressure sets him apart as a defender with immense potential in both domestic and international competitions.

While Bisseck, Huijsen, and Lukeba each possess unique qualities—be it physical dominance, technical finesse, or speed—they all have the potential to reach the upper echelons of world football. Their ongoing development under top-tier coaching and at high-level clubs will be key in determining how they compare to the very best in the world, such as Virgil van Dijk. Each player’s journey is one to watch as they continue to evolve into complete, world-class centre-backs.

Scouting the Future: A Comprehensive Profile and Player Analysis of Liverpool’s Center-Back Targets

ByStephen Garrett