Sepp van den Berg has clocked a speed of almost 35kmh

Whatever happens at Liverpool in this time of tears and turbulence and mud-slinging towards strikers, don't forget this - they should upgrade their defence.

Sir Alex Ferguson's old adage says that your defence wins you titles, and while Liverpool's back-line has been good this season, it hasn't been imperious.

With 36 goals conceded in 35 games, the Reds lag behind the superior records of Arsenal (28) and Manchester City (32), and the table reflects that.

Losing Joel Matip, Andy Robertson, and Trent Alexander-Arnold to injuries has been a mitigating factor, as has losing Fabinho - that eternal midfield shield - to the clutches of Saudi cash. Matip, immobilised and out of contract this summer, is likely to depart.

Jarell Quansah has stepped in well, but his pairing with Virgil van Dijk does not yet equate to a Gabriel-William Saliba level of solidity.

So, what to do? Splash the cash? Well, some think could have an oven-ready option to step up in Sepp van den Berg.

Perennially farmed out on loan, the 22-year-old has wooed admirers with good performances at Mainz in the Bundesliga this season.

He is rated as the best under-23 centre-back in Europe's top five leagues by WhoScored.com - you'll never sing that. Van den Berg will be telling his grandchildren about it.

Could he really be the answer, a panacea hidden in the 'send on loan' list?

In Mail Sport's estimation, the Dutchman should play some role at Liverpool next season, but it's a risk to count him as an instant upgrade. Here's why.

One of the main things Van den Berg has going for him is his pace - and how that fits Liverpool's needs.

This season, he has clocked a top speed of 34.78kmh with Mainz, faster than any other Liverpool centre-back.

Ibrahima Konate's recovery pace is