Liverpool Urged to Pursue Jurrien Timber as Defensive Concerns Grow

Liverpool have been advised to make a decisive move for Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber as Arne Slot looks to steady a back line that has become a growing concern this season. Despite winning the Premier League title last year, the Reds have struggled for defensive control and have already conceded 26 goals in 18 league matches.

The recent 2–1 victory over Wolves extended Liverpool’s winning run to three games and lifted them into fourth place, but the result did little to hide familiar issues. Opponents continue to find joy against them, particularly from dead-ball situations, an area that has repeatedly undermined their performances.

Set pieces have become a clear weakness. Liverpool have conceded 12 goals from those situations in the league alone, a figure that has prompted internal concern. The problems are less about the initial delivery and more about what follows, with second balls and loose marking proving costly.

This vulnerability comes at a key stage of the campaign. Slot is still shaping his side after a summer of transition, and while results have improved, the underlying numbers point to a defense that lacks consistency and physical reliability. With fixtures piling up, the margin for error is shrinking.

At Anfield, the atmosphere remains demanding, and early phases of matches have often been frantic. Liverpool tend to start aggressively, but opponents have grown confident that chances will come, particularly when pressure builds around corners and wide free kicks.

Several matches have hinged on fine moments. Missed clearances, poor positioning, and slow reactions have led to decisive goals conceded. Goalkeepers have been exposed too often, forced into saves from situations that should have been dealt with earlier in the phase.

Slot has acknowledged the imbalance, noting that Liverpool rarely scores from set pieces while conceding too many. Still, he has pointed to recent wins as evidence of progress, stressing the importance of finding ways to win even when flaws remain evident.

Against Wolves, Liverpool again conceded from a set piece but responded with improved control and efficiency in open play. That resilience marked a shift, though it did not fully mask the need for structural improvement.

Attention has now turned to recruitment. Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has publicly backed a move for Timber, citing the need for a reliable specialist at right-back and additional strength in central defense. With Trent Alexander-Arnold having departed in the summer, Liverpool’s current options have struggled to stay fit and maintain balance.

Timber’s profile fits the brief. He has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers this season, offering defensive intelligence, one-on-one strength, and positional versatility. Since returning from a serious knee injury, he has shown durability and consistency, traits Liverpool are currently lacking.

Arsenal are keen to extend his contract, and prising him away would be difficult, particularly in January. Still, the message from outside Anfield is clear. If Liverpool are serious about restoring defensive authority and sustaining a title challenge, bold decisions may be required.