The more things change, the more they stay the same. At the start of last season, Liverpool’s midfield was a big question mark after huge upheaval in the summer.
The performance of the Reds’ midfield would have a huge impact on how the season would go. Today we are seeing similar things. While there are no new names (we’ll get to that), the new system under Arne Slot means there are more questions than answers at the heart of a Liverpool side looking to challenge for the title.
I’ve highlighted three key things to keep an eye on this season that will have a massive impact on how we think about this revamped Reds midfield come May.
While Slot’s system at Feyenoord usually featured a pair of defensive midfielders, we have already seen that there is usually one player who stays deeper and controls the tempo from an almost 4-1-4-1 formation.
The first and most obvious name that comes to mind for this role is Wataru Endo. The Japanese captain took a while to settle in last season, but when he did, his physical style was impressive.
However, his performances dropped off at the end of the season and the 31-year-old is not a long-term solution for the midfield. He works hard and is ambitious, but his skills are limited.
Alexis Mac Allister has shown he can play that role as well, but ideally his talents would be better suited further up the pitch. But in a pinch he could definitely play the role.
Stefan Bajčetić is a name we all know and the young Spaniard has shown he has plenty of potential. However, his fitness has become an issue and there are talks that he could be sent out on loan. Finally, Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch are also options.
Gravenberch would be the most dynamic from this low position.
