Jeff Stelling ‘gets it totally wrong’ with what he said about Guehi to Liverpool
Liverpool continue to be linked with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.
The Reds are losing Jarell Quansah and could enter the market to add depth to their ranks in the heart of defence at Anfield.
A move for Guehi would not be simple; they would have to match the FA Cup winners’ demands when it comes to a fee, and the player’s expectations, in terms of salary and gametime.
The Premier League champions could hit an “insurmountable obstacle” if they cannot give the England star the playing time that he wants, but Jeff Stelling believes this would not be an issue.
Guehi to start over Konate at Liverpool
If Guehi moves to Anfield, he would seek assurances over his playing time as the Reds’ starting options are already strong at centre-back.
The Three Lions ace needs to be starting matches and performing well if he is to make Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup next summer.
Former Sky Sports presenter Stelling believes that the 24-year-old would be a starter on Merseyside over Ibrahima Konate, if he did make the move.
Speaking on talkSPORT (30 June, 7:59 am), he said: “He would definitely start.
“I would pick Guehi every day of the week ahead of Konate.
“Konate has been great, but Guehi is developing into just a top-quality player.”
Stelling is completely wrong about Konate
Konate is one of the best defenders in world football, having finally banished his injury issues and forming a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk last season.
There is a reason why the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid want to sign the Liverpool star on a free transfer next season, as his contract on Merseyside enters the final year.
The Frenchman is significantly better in the air than the Palace star and is just as good on the ground, and with the ball at his feet, as his passing range improved significantly in the title triumph.
Guehi is a solid option for the Reds if they can sign him, but there is no way that he starts over Konate when both are fit. Stelling is completely wide of the mark on this occasion.
Whether he wants to come to be the third choice for Arne Slot remains to be seen, but that is exactly what he would be, barring any injuries, of course.
He would not be a starter like Stelling said; he is nowhere near as good as the French international.
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