Liverpool endured a tough season after winning the league title, leading to Arne Slot's departure. Andoni Iraola's arrival has restored some positivity, but questions remain about the squad after a record £446 million spend last summer. While most signings showed promise, the team lacked cohesion, and the midfield was particularly weak.
Iraola demands high intensity, and the midfield lacked that last season. We identified 10 players who could fill the defensive midfield role, similar to Fabinho in his prime.
The Profile Needed
The midfielder must be comfortable in a two or three-man midfield, but primarily play as the conservative pivot to free up Florian Wirtz or Dominik Szoboszlai. Defensive steel is paramount, along with composure on the ball and build-up play. The player should progress the ball effectively without unnecessary risks, complementing Wirtz's creativity.
Honourable Mentions
Aurelien Tchouameni (26) is ideal but unlikely to leave Real Madrid. Pablo Barrios (22) is promising but injury-prone. Morten Hjulmand (26) is a leader but has interest from Real Madrid and others. Chema Andres (21) is talented but not a starter and has a Madrid buy-back clause.
The 10 Candidates
Players were selected based on recent links to Liverpool, including Adam Wharton, Lamine Camara, Mamadou Sangare, Mateus Fernandes, Alan Varela, Alex Scott, and Angelo Stiller. Elliot Anderson was added due to his standout season, and Khephren Thuram and Sandro Tonali were included from previous interest.
All are aged 21-26, with enough experience for the Premier League but room to grow.
Passing Analysis
Wharton creates the best chances (0.49 big chances per 90) but has the lowest passing accuracy. Camara and Stiller offer the best balance of creativity and control. Fernandes and Sangare are more conservative. Scott and Tonali are less creative from deep.
Possession and Duels
Stiller excels in duels and rarely loses possession, with 92.33 touches per 90. Anderson dominates duels but is dispossessed more. Wharton struggles in duels, raising doubts about his suitability. Varela is less involved defensively due to Porto's dominance.
Defensive Contributions
Anderson leads in defensive actions and recoveries. Camara and Sangare are close behind. Scott is efficient under Iraola's system. Wharton is dribbled past frequently, while Stiller and Thuram are solid. Fernandes is dribbled past often for a player not pushing high.
The Verdict
Stiller stands out in every metric, offering stability and control with a €36.5m release clause. Anderson would be a top signing but may be too expensive. Wharton's creativity is offset by defensive weaknesses. Camara combines creativity with defensive bite. Scott is a safe, familiar option. Fernandes is a cheaper alternative after West Ham's relegation.
Considering homegrown quotas and system familiarity, Scott is a strong choice, but Stiller is a bargain and Camara the most exciting prospect. Liverpool's midfield is already well-stocked, but one of these players could be transformative.
