Dave Hendrick Analyses Centre Back Targets for Liverpool This Summer | OneFootball

Liverpool Centre Backs: Scouting the Future Through Another Podcast

As Liverpool prepare for a crucial summer under Arne Slot, the need for fresh blood at centre back is drawing sharp focus. In the latest episode of Another Podcast from Anfield Index Pro, Dave Hendrick broke down a list of 20 potential defensive recruits, separating them into two categories — those 22 and under, and those slightly more established. Each name carried its own tactical nuance, financial context, and developmental potential. Here’s a look at some of the standouts and what they could mean for Liverpool’s centre back evolution.

Dean Huijsen’s Talent Too Good To Ignore

Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen was one of the first names on Hendrick’s list. “This is his first season in the Premier League and I think everybody has been very, very impressed by how he’s performed.” Still only 19, Hendrick described Huijsen as “a footballer first and a defender second”, but praised his reading of the game. Despite needing improvement in the air, Hendrick believes that will come with time: “Most young centre backs are not dominant in the air.”

However, the price tag could be a sticking point. “He has a £50 million release clause reportedly,” Hendrick warned, adding that Huijsen “might be too good to pass on,” even if he isn’t ready to start every week at Anfield.

Branthwaite Carries Premier League Proven Potential

Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, a player with Merseyside connections, earned particularly glowing praise. “He’s only 22, turns 23 in the summer, and I have a hard time picking any English centre back over him right now,” said Hendrick. His development on loan at PSV, where he played in a high line, was flagged as a key advantage.

Though Hendrick admitted the deal would be “obviously difficult”, he made it clear: “He might be the most expensive on this list… but with the potential to be one of the best centre backs in the world.”

Diamandé and Zabarnyi Highlight Versatile Profiles

Sporting’s Ousmane Diomande was framed as an ideal replacement for Ibrahima Konaté. Hendrick emphasised his athleticism and ceiling, stating: “If you were looking to replace Ibou, he’s probably the one you’d go for — top of the list.”

Alongside Huijsen at Bournemouth, Illya Zabarnyi earned respect for his defensive instincts: “Absolutely lives to defend… he is one of the best defensive centre backs in the league already.” Compared to Ruben Dias, but “more mobile,” Hendrick called him “fearless… a leader… with a pretty high ceiling.”

Swiss Starlet Amenda and the Virgil Question

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Aurèle Amenda also emerged as a major candidate. At 6’4″, Hendrick said he is “dominant, quick, good on the ball, good one-v-one, strong as an ox.” Most importantly, he saw traits reminiscent of Van Dijk: “His demeanour is quite like Virgil’s.” If Liverpool want a project to groom behind the Dutchman, “I think he should be very high on the list,” Hendrick insisted.

Conclusion: Five-Man Watchlist for Slot

By the end of the show, Hendrick revealed his top five names: “Huijsen, Branthwaite, Amenda, Dwomoh, and Zabarnyi,” with Maxime Esteve and Nathan Zéze as possible sixth and seventh picks. Each, in their own way, tick key boxes: height, pace, technical quality, and tactical versatility.

For Liverpool, identifying the next defensive anchor isn’t just about replacing Van Dijk or managing Konaté’s minutes — it’s about maintaining the foundations of a side that thrives on solidity at the back. And as Hendrick cautioned, “We can’t do everything to the highest degree in one summer because there’s just too much to do.”

That may mean some smart gambles. But with a watchlist like this — one grounded in realism, upside and fit — the future at centre back might be closer than it appears.