Lynch: Schlotterbeck liked but no real Upamecano links | OneFootball

Schlotterbeck vs Upamecano: David Lynch Analyses Liverpool’s Defensive Links

In a recent discussion on the Sports Mole podcast, football journalist David Lynch offered insight into Liverpool’s reported interest in Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck and Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano. Lynch, speaking alongside the show’s hosts, provided an in-depth look at why these two players have been linked and how they could fit into Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning side.

Liverpool’s Search for Ball-Playing Defenders

As Lynch explained early in the conversation, “there have actually been a couple links to a couple specific players over the course of the international break… Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck as well as Bayern Munich’s Upamecano.” He pointed out that both players “are probably better passers than they are defenders,” suggesting Liverpool’s focus on adding composure and technical quality to their backline.

Lynch noted that Liverpool’s defensive dynamics have shifted. “They need a passer in central defence now,” he said. “It wasn’t previously the case that they needed two brilliant passers at centre-half because they had one in Virgil [van Dijk], they also had Trent [Alexander-Arnold] at right back who was an unbelievable progressor of the ball.” With Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson featuring less frequently this season, Lynch said there’s “a real lack of progression from that kind of back four.”

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Canate’s Uncertain Future and Transfer Possibilities

The journalist highlighted how contract situations could shape Liverpool’s next moves. “If Canate doesn’t sign a new contract, they’re going to need another centre-half,” Lynch explained. He mentioned that “Mark Guéhi is going to come in,” but noted the possibility that “Joe Gomez would leave if Mark Guéhi came in.”

Lynch suggested that while Schlotterbeck and Upamecano’s names have appeared in reports, their relevance depends on future changes in Liverpool’s squad. “The names like Schlotterbeck and Upamecano are maybe more preparation for the possibility of Canate going,” he said. He added that any significant defensive signing “won’t be in the short term” and that if any move happens in January, “it probably be more likely to be Guéhi.”

Schlotterbeck “Makes a Lot More Sense” Than Upamecano

When asked whether Upamecano’s name was resurfacing due to his contract expiring, Lynch clarified his stance: “I think Schlotterbeck makes a lot more sense for Liverpool. I think he’s a better player as well.”

He went further, saying, “Upamecano’s got mistakes in him… there are weaknesses there in Upamecano that I just think would get exposed regularly in the Premier League.” Lynch revealed that previous reports linking Liverpool to Upamecano were likely inaccurate: “A lot of people thought they were in for Upamecano, actually it was Canate who they’d been watching at RB Leipzig.”

In contrast, Lynch affirmed that “Schlotterbeck on the other hand, that’s someone they definitely do like and have watched.” However, he tempered expectations, stating, “Whether that becomes anything or not, we’ll have to wait and see because I think that’s one maybe for the summer rather than January.”

Liverpool’s Long-Term Defensive Vision

Lynch’s insights reflect a broader strategy under Arne Slot, who values defenders capable of initiating play from the back. While immediate signings may not occur, the journalist emphasised that “in the long term, they definitely need more passers at the back.”

The Sports Mole discussion offered a clear message: Liverpool are refining their defensive blueprint, with technical defenders like Schlotterbeck fitting the mould more naturally than Upamecano. As Lynch concluded, the coming months will show whether these links solidify into real movement, but for now, it remains “a case of wait and see.”