Cape Cobras consolidated their position at the top of the standings with a comfortable six-wicket win over Lions in Paarl.Lions, who were sent in to bat, were shot out for 133. Save Dominic Hendrick’s unbeaten 44, there was little of note in the innings that lasted 40.3 overs. Beuran Hendricks, the left-arm seamer, returned figures of 3 for 18 off eight overs, while Dane Paterson, Wayne Parnell and Dane Piedt had two scalps apiece.The Cobras stuttered at the start by losing Parnell and Omphile Ramela early, but Andrew Puttick ate into the target with an unbeaten 63. He was helped by Stiaan van Zyl, who made 35, as Cobras won with 16.5 overs to spare.An unbeaten century from opener Rudi Second, followed by three-wicket hauls from Mbulelo Budaza and Michael Erlank, sent Knights to a 74-run win over Warriors in East London.The bonus point win meant that Knights were dragged from the bottom of the table, with 13 points, five behind the Warriors in the final play-off spot with two rounds to play.Having elected to bat, Knights lost Reeza Hendricks and Michael Erlank early, but Second and Botha drove them forward with a brisk 100-run partnership. Botha was aggressive, striking 63 off 54 balls, including seven fours and a six. Second’s century,which contained only four fours, was a measured effort. Werner Coetsee strengthened Knights’ advantage with a cameo lower down the order, as they finished with 258.JJ Smuts was the pick of the bowlers for Warriors, claiming figures of 2 for 49. He then gave the chase early thurst with his 21st List A fifty, but the rest of the batsmen fell away. Budaza, playing only his 10th List A game accounted for Smuts,Jerry Nqolo, and Yaseen Vallie to finish with career-best figures. Erlank then wrapped up the tail to dismiss Warriors for 184 in 43.3 overs and seal Knights’ third win of the tournament.
This isn’t true, of course, but this summer, the Reds signed Giovanni Leoni from Parma for a £27m fee, and the 18-year-old became only the second permanent senior signing since Virgil van Dijk’s record-breaking transfer in January 2018, the first being Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig in 2021.
With Leoni out for the season after rupturing his ACL on his Reds debut, Arne Slot’s side have been left frustrated, with defensive issues forming the crux of Liverpool’s wider struggle this season.
Despite fierce speculation over Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo’s future – Liverpool have been in the mix but Manchester City look set to win his signature – the need for a new centre-half remains great.
Liverpool lining up winter Guehi alternative
Guehi, 25, is one of the best defenders in the Premier League. One of the best players. With Van Dijk turning 35 next summer and the error-riddled Konate soon out of contract, FSG and sporting director Richard Hughes are sure to contest for the Crystal Palace captain’s signature.
But Guehi is a free agent himself by the end of the term, so Liverpool may have to play the waiting game. Even so, the need for a new centre-back is great, and if the right opportunity emerges in the New Year, the Merseysiders must pounce.
Well, as it would happen, such a shot has materialised, with Bolavip confirming Liverpool’s interest in Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez ahead of the January window.
With Chelsea dropping out of the race, the suggestion is that the Reds are the frontrunners having been given a clear route to securing his signature, albeit with Serie A side Inter Milan also now in the mix.
Ordonez, 21, is considered one of the most talented up-and-coming centre-backs out there, and it would take a Belgian-record fee of €40m (converting to about £34m), to prise him away from Bruges.
Why Liverpool need to sign Ordonez
Make no mistake, adding a forward like Semenyo to Slot’s squad would mark an improvement for Liverpool. But, having phoned the Ghanaian’s reps in November, FSG have opted against matching the intensity of Manchester City.
Why is this? Semenyo has been one of the finest players in Europe this season, after all, with nine goals and three assists spread across 17 games in the Premier League.
Could it be because Liverpool have instead decided to prioritise a defender? There is a stronger case to be made for a centre-half, with Liverpool’s leaky backline causing so many problems this season, and Konate and Van Dijk depicting cracked shells of their usual selves.
Subscribe for in-depth Liverpool transfer and defender coverage Join the newsletter for deeper transfer and defensive coverage on Liverpool — precise analysis of centre-back prospects like Ordonez, how they fit tactically, and what targets reveal about the club’s defensive plans.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Ordonez is young, but he’s gained experience in the Champions League and as a top talent in the Belgian top flight, with talent scout Jacek Kulig even hailing him as “something remarkable”, with “an impressively complete profile” for such a young defender.
The Ecuador international, moreover, ranks among the top 9% of positional peers across divisions relevant to the Belgian Pro League for passes attempted and pass completion, the top 16% for progressive passes and the top 2% for carries per 90, as per FBref.
This natural ball-playing ability is something that would serve Liverpool well, providing Slot not just with the defensive depth he needs but a more important cog than a wide forward like Semenyo, who would be more expensive besides.
With Florian Wirtz coming into his own, Cody Gakpo an experienced member of the squad and Rio Ngumoha billed as one of the most exciting talents in the country, it might just be that an up-and-coming defender like Ordonez proves exactly the player the Anfield side need.
Mac Allister upgrade: Liverpool could sign "best CM prospect in the world"
Liverpool are weighing up a winter move for a new centre-midfielder.