Liverpool legend reveals why Stoke star is 'ideal' signing

PHIL THOMPSON believes Ryan Shawcross could be the answer to Jurgen Klopp's defensive problems at Liverpool.

 

Shawcross could be the answer to Liverpool's recent defensive problems

 

The Reds have conceded 32 goals in 23 Premier League games so far this season and have the worst goal difference of any top-half side.

Shawcross will miss the second leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final tonight with a back injury but when the summer comes around, Thompson is convinced Klopp could do a lot worse than the Stoke skipper. 

"When Liverpool evaluate at the end of the season and look at the sort of goals they conceded, I wouldn't be averse to see them looking towards Shawcross as a solution," Thompson told Sky Sports.

 

"In fact I think he would be absolutely ideal and he's been one of the most underrated centre-backs over the last five seasons. 

"You just have to look at Stoke's stats with and without him."

Mark Hughes has turned Stoke into one of the most imposing defensive units in the league, based around Shawcross's solidity and a breakthrough season for goalkeeper Jack Butland.

The Welsh boss has also guided the Potters to within touching distance of their first silverware for 16 years.

 

And while they will have to overturn a 1-0 deficit when they travel to Anfield, Thompson believes the home side will be right up against it when Hughes and company arrive.

"I would think it's still going to be difficult," he added. 

"It's like that with Liverpool at the moment.

 

"Stoke were perhaps a bit complacent in the first game and didn't expect Liverpool to be as dominant as they were.

"Being 1-0 up, you'd usually be thinking Wembley is close, but with this side it seems to be the bigger the challenge the better you going to get from them.

"The boot might be on the other foot this time, and while Liverpool won and Stoke lost badly at the weekend, it's certainly not over and I'm expecting an extremely tight tie."