Jose Enrique in possession at Everton

Ever since Roy Hodgson tried to convince the Anfield faithful that Paul Konchesky really was the answer to their problems at left back, we’ve all realised that an accomplished defender must top their shopping list come the summer. Martin Kelly is more than capable of making the right side slot his own, and Glen Johnson is coping out on the left as Kenny Dalglish continues to rebuild the crumbled empire at the Merseyside club. But recent reports have linked King Kenny with a move for Newcastle’s left-sided defender, Jose Enrique. Is he really the answer?

Well it’s certainly a step in the right direction, given Konchesky’s ill-fated six months at the club. Should the Spaniard join the club, Liverpool would have signed a left-back who actually knows how to defend. Glen Johnson is an athlete, and a real threat going forward. But when a winger is running at him, he doesn’t provide me with the greatest of confidence. For Liverpool and for England, at times he looks like he has never defended before in his life, and I’m sure Kenny Dalglish is concerned that he is so easily caught out on a regular basis.

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Enrique has made no secret of his desire to play Champions League football, and then go on to represent his country. The latter may be a little optimistic, given the array of talent head coach Vicente Del Bosque has to choose from already. But Champions League football in the next couple of years is certainly achievable with Liverpool. They have scrapped any early season thoughts of relegation, cleared out the deadwood and now have a team who seem to be all moving in the same direction. Dalglish has the pulling power, so granted he stays on as manager, Liverpool will continue to attract a better calibre of player than Paul Konchesky, which can only be a good thing.

The 25-year-old full back fits the bill perfectly. A defender who firstly knows how to defend but has the ability to get up and down the line, and provide real quality for somebody like his former team-mate Andy Carroll to thrive off. This signing wouldn’t just be a good acquisition to the squad but a step in the right direction in terms of the club recognising the type of player that is required to success at a club like Liverpool. For too long the club have continued to sign players who are mediocre at best, and suit the type of position they found themselves in at the start of the season.

Just behind tying Dalglish down to a long-term contract, Enrique should be make a priority come the summer. His arrival would not only indicate to the fans a step in the right direction, but may convince some of the players who may be considered their own future (Pepe Reina) that things are on the up at Anfield.

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