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Daily Liverpool - Midfield Squad Assessment
21 Plays10 days ago
The international break continues and so does our assessment of the Liverpool squad. This time, it's the midfield under the spotlight as Jesse Sarwar assesses our midfield options, whether we keep or sell the player and where we can reinforce in the summer.
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Transcript
Introduction & Episode Focus
00:01:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to the Daily Liverpool podcast brought to you by the Global Sports Podcast Network. I'm your host, Jesse Sarwar. It is Wednesday, the 25th of March, and we're continuing our series of episodes assessing the Liverpool squad.
00:01:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
On Monday, we ran our eye over the defensive units, and today we're moving forward through the squad to look at the midfield area.
Failed Midfield Signings and Solutions
00:01:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, we started this season in search of a midfielder, a number six, a holding midfielder, a DM, call it what you will.
00:01:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
And for two summers now, the club have tried unsuccessfully to fill the hole left by Fabinho principally, but also Fabinho. Jordan Henderson and Thiago, all of whom left the club over the last two years.
00:02:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now we did try to sign Caicedo. Remember that hundred and fifteen million pound bid. We then bid Lavia. both ended up chelsea Safe to say that we had the last laugh on those both players, but so it still meant that, so you know, we were without a specialist number six. and And last summer, we were in a drawn out saga to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
00:02:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Looked like the deal was done, but at the last minute, the Spaniard had decided to stay put at his hometown club, which left us in something of a predicament.
00:02:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
But little did we know that then new manager Arnie Slott had an ace up his sleeve and that ace was Ryan Gravenberg.
Gravenberg's New Role Success
00:02:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
the Dutchman, I mean, he had a pretty underwhelming start to his Liverpool career, signed from Bayern Munich in 2023 for around £35 million pounds under Jurgen Klopp, central midfielder,
00:03:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
But Arnie Slott comes along and does something that really nobody saw coming, and that was to shift Gravenberg to a deeper lying number six position.
00:03:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
And, you know, he's been nothing short of a revelation, not to mention probably saving us 50 or 60 million pounds. Slott has used a double pivot system in midfield with Gravenberg and McAllister being pretty much ever present in the Premier League and the Champions League. All the big games those two tend to play.
McAllister's Key Contributions
00:03:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he's just had a fantastic season. Bearing in mind that this is his first full season, his first season in this position. His ability on the ball has has given the team, I just think, a different dimension.
00:04:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
This was something that Fabinho couldn't do. And Fabinho, I'm not going to knock Fabinho. You know, he was he was brilliant in that position. He just cleaned everything up in front of that back four and just gave it to the players that could do more.
00:04:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think Gravenberg, as I said, I think he's a step up in terms of his ability on the ball. He plays those passes through the lines,
00:04:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
But over and above that, he actually moves forward with the ball better. So many times he's got his, he's facing our own goal and he's surrounded by two or three opposition opposition players, but he'll turn, swivel on that ball and just drive forward.
00:04:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think he does that better than any number six, probably in the Premier League at the moment. and So he's been an absolute find for us. And, you know, all credit has got to go to the manager manager for being brave enough to make that move.
00:05:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Instead of being maybe more conservative and and using the the more safe approach of using Endo, he's much more defensive minded, or even Curtis Jones, who's played in that position a few times under Jurgen Klopp.
00:05:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
But look, huge credit to Ryan Gravenberg as well for adapting so well to that new position in the Premier League where you don't have time and space on the ball, but he does seem to find it.
00:05:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
In terms of his contract situation, it's pretty comfortable at the moment. Contract expires in 2028.
00:05:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I don't think there's any danger of him going anywhere soon. Keeper sell. Definitely. He's a keeper. So Gravenberg to stay at Liverpool after this summer, irrespective of what kind of overhaul there is at the club.
00:05:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I think he's been helped massively by the presence of Alexis McAllister next to him in that midfield double pivot. As I said, you know, he's he's pretty much ever present for Liverpool. He doesn't miss games. He doesn't miss games through injury.
00:06:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
He has been suspended a few times, but he's been an absolute world-class signing for it. for us. £35 million signed from Brighton in 2023, which has to be another, you know, a top, top signing. One of the signings of recent years, a World Cup winner with Argentina.
00:06:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
He is a world-class player and to snap him up from Brighton for £35 million, pounds I think was a great deal for the club. His ability to hold onto the ball, to recycle the ball, to win the ball back, he's aggressive in the tackle, and sometimes maybe too aggressive, but I do just love that Argentine tenacity, that real fighter spirit, and it's a great complement next to...
00:07:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
The kind of silky smooth Gravenberg. I think they compliment complement each other really, really well. And similarly with him in terms of a contract situation, his contract runs until 2028. So no danger there unless unless one of the big boys like Real Madrid come knocking with a a ridiculous figure that we can't turn down but he's certainly not going for free anytime soon so keep or sell for Alexis McAllister definitely keep he's now firmly embedded in this team as one of the bedrocks I'd say of this team and
00:07:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
No doubt, I think that as as some of those more senior players move on out of the senior leadership team, he's one definitely that's going to move into that position.
00:08:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
He is one of our captains on the pitch. So great, great signing. And he's great he's had a great season as well. And to to finish off that kind of trio, really, of regulars that...
Szoboszlai and Salah Partnership
00:08:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Arnie Slott has sometimes maybe towards the end of the season to our detriment has relied very, very heavily on is Dominic Sabazlai signed from RB Leipzig in 2023. Again, that was part of that big midfield overhaul under Jurgen Klopp for
00:08:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
So a pretty decent sized transfer fee. But I think he's really, this season, I think he's really started started to justify that fee. Particularly, I think the second half of the season where he's undoubted athleticism, his work rate, it's now being complemented by goals and assists.
00:09:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think he's developed a really good relationship with further up that pitch with Mohamed Salah, who gets on apparently really well off the field as well. So I'm sure that helps.
00:09:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
But he's almost that second line of defence. If the first line of our defence are our strikers in terms of the press and the counter press, then if you get past those lot, then you've got to get past Dominic Saboslay. And he does not leave you. It's very hard to shake him off.
00:09:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
So often we've seen him as the last man chasing back in our own penalty area or our own third. So he's been an absolutely, I think, a pivotal part of this season's success.
00:10:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
And again, his contract expires in 2028, much like Graham Burke and McAllister. So these guys are really here to stay for the long term.
00:10:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
So keep or sell for Sir Bosley, easy one. Keep. I think he's an absolute, he's a real talent. I think he can go on to become a really, really world class player in the next couple of years.
00:10:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Which means at the heart of Liverpool's midfield is fairly settled. No big contract issues on the horizon.
Jones and Elliott: Challenges and Potential
00:10:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
And so we come to some of the players
00:10:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
on the periphery, the ones that come in. as substitutes or whenever Arnie Slott does feel that rotation is necessary, which isn't very often, these guys tend to tend to come in and play.
00:10:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
So we'll start off with Curtis Jones, local player. So Trent is not the only scouser in the team. And he's found more regular playing time this season under Arnie Slott.
00:11:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think a lot has been made about Slott's playing style, suiting Curtis Jones. And he did say as much in a pre-season interview that he's probably going to get more joy playing under Arnie Slott than Jurgen Klopp.
00:11:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
And there is some truth to that. But I do think that even under Arnie Slott, I think Curtis Jones' is one big week weakness has...
00:11:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
has reared its ugly head one too many times, I think. And that is, he's got a relaxed attitude on the ball and his inability or refusal, I don't know,
00:11:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
to release the ball quickly and to increase the tempo of the game. i think there's been far too many instances where Jones is on the ball and he just doesn't release the ball quickly enough and he'll get dispossessed and then we're put under pressure. Now,
00:12:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's okay if the team is winning in two, three, four nil, and you want to put your foot on the ball and slow the tempo down. think the problem is, is that when we're a goal down or it's one all and he comes on, it's 85 minutes and, you know, he just looks too relaxed.
00:12:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think that's something that he really needs to, to work on if he's going to, be a more of a regular feature in this team and not just a substitute or rotation player.
00:12:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
His contract expires in 2027. Keep or sell? I would say keep for now, but I really do think that he needs to improve next season and he just needs to work on those Those weaknesses that have been pointed out quite a few times.
00:13:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Over the last few seasons. We'll move on to Harvey Elliott now. Signed for four million pounds from Fulham back in 2019. twenty nineteen Feels like a local player.
00:13:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Grew up an obsessed Liverpool fan. His dad is a Liverpool fan. So he is Liverpool through and through. And I think Harvey Elliott is a, I think he's a really, really good player. And I think he's been an important player for us at these last few years.
00:13:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
But this season, I do feel for him. He's had limited game time this season. He got injured during one of those early international breaks. one of them One of the reasons why I don't like international breaks, but so he did get injured.
00:13:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
But would that have got, you know, would he have got as much game time anyway, bearing in mind how Slott has shown that he's he's he's not exactly enthusiastic about rotating away from his preferred 11.
00:14:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
eleven So it's debatable as to whether that early injury for Harvey Elliott kind of dented he's his chances of getting regular game time.
00:14:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
I would say it probably didn't make much difference. I think that Slott, one of the things that I think I'd like to see him improve on is his his trust in players in and around the squad and not just when it's...
00:14:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
absolutely necessary through kind of injury or suspension. He's got to give players like Harvey Elliott a bit more game time and rest some of the other players, the likes of Sir Bosley.
00:14:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, you know, he's he's a young player, but he is experienced. You know, he's he's got quite a few honours to his name.
00:15:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, he's he was at the European Super Cup 2019 win and the FIFA Club World Cup 2019 win. He's got a Premier League winner's medal.
00:15:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
League Cup winner and an f FA Cup winner in 2022 and obviously that League Cup in 2024. He's at games for us and 16 assists.
00:15:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
but fourteen goal and sorry i should say yeah fourteen goals and sixteen assess And he he does have a habit of coming on and making a really positive contribution. He's had a couple of games that you know he'd like to forget. The Portsmouth one, im sorry, I beg pardon, Plymouth one in particular in the FA Cup was a game to forget.
00:15:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
But overall, I think that he's a valuable valuable part of our squad. And so keep or sell 100%, I would keep. keep Harvey Elliott, but he does need more game time.
Endo's Role and Midfield Depth Concerns
00:16:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Another midfielder that we've got in our squad who, you know, I think he's become a bit of a cult hero for Liverpool, and that is Wataru Endo, signed for £16m from Stuttgart under Jurgen Klopp.
00:16:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
almost as a emergency measure really after missing out on Caesadio and Lavia. It was a surprise signing. He's 31 years old. And so he really didn't fit the FSG model, but so you know needs must, I suppose.
00:16:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
He hasn't played that much this season, but my God, every time he does play, he gives it absolutely 100% and really doesn't put a foot wrong.
00:16:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's solid. He's committed. He's a top, top professional. You'll never see or hear him complain or throw a tantrum. He just gets on with it.
00:17:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
He is the ultimate pro. And I think... You always need players like that in your squad, in your dressing room. Players just that just roll up their sleeves and do whatever's necessary, whatever the manager asks.
00:17:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, you just get on with the job. And I think he's a great role model for some of the younger players in the academy. He's a great role model for the likes of the young players in the first team squad, the likes of Harvey Elliott.
00:17:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Curtis Jones, and even some players that come from from outside the club in terms of how to apply yourself, how to always be ready, even if it's just for four or five minutes in a game.
00:17:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
So keep or sell. I would say keep because I just think that he is someone that is quite versatile as well. So even if we do kind of beef up our midfield options in the summer, I think that there's always going to be a role for Endo to play.
00:18:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's come on and covered at centre back, full back as well at times this season. So I think that I'd love to see Liverpool keep Endo. We do need to reinforce in midfield, i think, in the summer. we We simply simply can't keep playing Gravenberg, McAllister and Sir Bosley week in, week out. And think we saw the results of that in recent weeks.
00:18:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
We saw the performance at Anfield against PSG. And although that was a much, much improved performance to the one the week before at the Parc de France, where we were completely outplayed by PSG, I think Liverpool playing that 120 minutes in that second leg on a Tuesday and then going into league cup final on a huge pitch like Wembley with pretty much the same team on the following Sunday.
00:19:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
It, I think it just proved too much. And, you know, Gravenberg, McAllister, Sir Bosley, even Sir Bosley, who's just known for his athleticism and his engine, they were just not at the races.
00:19:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think that's a real, I think that's a real kind of alarm. That's a real kind of warning sound for the club, for Arnie Slott, that in the summer we do need to bolster those midfield options.
00:19:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
And some of those options, you know, they are out there and and Liverpool should should be looking at going in for these
Potential Midfield Reinforcements: Kimmich?
00:19:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
players. One of them is Joshua Kimmich.
00:19:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
at Bayern Munich he's available on a free transfer at the end of the season after not agreeing a deal to stay at the German at the German club I think that he'd be an absolutely great signing for us his experience is German international he's you know he's won pretty much the lot at Bayern Munich and And, you know, he's got a good injury record and he's versatile.
00:20:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
He can play that defensive midfield role or he can play at right back, which I think is it's interesting, given that, you know, we're likely to lose one of our right backs, Trent Alexander-Arnold, in the summer season.
00:20:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think Joshua Kimmich would be, a i think, an ideal signing in the summer. he He probably doesn't fit, again, the FSG age profile.
00:20:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he's coming towards 30. But I do think that someone on a free transfer for the next few years, I think he's worth... Bringing in and a lot of these elite players now, they're not finished at 30. You know, they they can go on and we've seen so many examples of that, whether it's Cristiano Ronaldo, whether it's Mohamed Salah, whether it's Virgil van Dijk.
00:21:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Harry Kane at Bayern Munich. There are more and more and more examples where players, their careers have extended for a lot longer than 30 or 31 or 32. It's going well into their 30s now because of sports science, because of how well these players look after themselves and because they are now elite athletes. They're not just footballers.
00:21:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
And so I think that Kimmich would be an excellent signing for Liverpool.
Interest in Bruno Guimarães
00:21:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
The other one that I think that Liverpool should should look at, and Newcastle fans will not be happy to hear this, but that is their midfield dynamo, Bruno Goumeres.
00:21:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think he's captain in Newcastle now as well. I think that he'd be another excellent addition to that midfield. I've always liked Goumeres. I think that he's just one of those midfielders that has has found his feet in the Premier League. I think he's ideal for this league.
00:22:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
He'd be joining someone like McAllister as another tenacious battling South American in that midfield. And I just think he's perfect for an Arnie slot team that presses with intensity, but it is also threat going forward.
00:22:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, I think he'd cost quite a bit and I think Liverpool also have to factor in that we have been linked with at least two of their players, additional players, which is Anthony Gordon and Alexander Izak.
00:22:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Unlikely that we'd be able to snag all three of those players. But I do think that Grimera, if we were able to work out some kind of deal, I think that he would be a very, very good addition.
00:23:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
There are a couple of youngsters in our squad that have come in and played in League Cup games, in Cup games, FA Cup games, James McConnell and
Emerging Talents: McConnell and Morton
00:23:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Tyler Morton. I think they're really, really great talents.
00:23:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
I particularly like James McConnell. I think he's he's got a real future in the game. Now, whether it's at Liverpool remains to be seen because it's just so difficult. When you you're a young player and you've got these world-class players that are starting for Liverpool in front of you, just to be able to get a look in is so difficult. And it if it's difficult for the likes of Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones, then obviously as an academy player, it's going to be that much more difficult.
Conclusion & Future Teasers
00:23:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
So that is an assessment of Liverpool's midfield situation. We will continue with this look at the squad by assessing the forward options at the club and potentially what kind of business we may have to do in the summer. That's in our next episode.
00:24:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
But that's all for today. Don't forget to follow us on your preferred podcast platform so that you get the very latest content when it drops. Follow us on social media at GSPN Liverpool. You can email us at gspndailyliverpool at gmail.com.
00:24:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
As I said, join us again on Friday where we'll be concluding our assessment of the current playing squad. Until next time, thank you for listening.