Anfield Watch
·16 Oktober 2024
Anfield Watch
·16 Oktober 2024
Liverpool have decided that work done under Jurgen Klopp is now unusable. They’re absolutely right to think so.
Liverpool have been searching for a new defensive midfielder for at least three years now. It was the big hunt of 2023, with Fabinho departing for Saudi Arabia after a disappointing final campaign with the Reds.
But it actually goes back to Aurelien Tchouameni - he sought-after but he ultimately rejected Liverpool in 2022. Then there was Moises Caicedo last year. He also rejected the Reds.
Attention turned (back) to Romeo Lavia - he then also said no.
This summer, Martin Zubimendi was the one. Liverpool pulled out all the stops to get him, even offering to pay his release clause in full, but the Spaniard rejected them like everyone else.
There was no alternative this time around, either. Liverpool simply stuck with what they've got and there's a good reason for this - their list wasn't particularly long.
It can't be, after all, given they've deemed the recruitment work done under Jurgen Klopp over the last few years is now 'unusable' in the position. That's according to David Lynch, quoting a source at the club.
They're completely correct to deem it unusable, too. Liverpool spent years trying to find Fabinho's successor - a midfielder who could hold down the fort, shield the defence, and stop counter-attacks on his own.
Slot, however, doesn't want that. He wants a midfielder who can recycle possession for 90 minutes - someone capable of breaking defensive lines from deep and being 'press resistant'.
Ryan Gravenberch has fallen into that role, of course, and Liverpool found the ideal man in Zubimendi. But the change in styles came at such short notice that the groundwork simply wasn't there for a solid shortlist.
It should be there by January, though, and we wonder if a few more rumours about 'no. 6s' will pop up over the next couple of months. The previous work might be unusable but Liverpool won't have that excuse come winter.
Liverpool tipped for 'straightforward' Omar Marmoush deal 1 day ago by Sam McGuire
Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold can't shake off BIZARRE myth 2 days ago by Alex Caple
Are Man City really going to replace Pep Guardiola with a Liverpool reject? 2 days ago by Alex Caple