Liverpool want “one of the best” midfielders

Storm Darragh has soured Merseyside’s collective temper, however Liverpool will nonetheless sit on the prime of the Premier League desk by the top of the weekend.

Such is the power of Arne Slot’s facet, such is the good begin to the marketing campaign that has seen Liverpool cede floor in simply three of their 14 fixtures to this point.

The table-toppers will now relaxation and get better forward of extra gruelling motion, however there’s an simple sense of frustration that the Reds have been prevented from righting the wrongs of midweek, enduring defensive points in a 3-3 draw at St. James’ Park.

The Merseyside derby must wait and maybe it is for the very best, in some methods. Ryan Gravenberch has been indomitable within the engine room this season however suffered from burnout in opposition to Newcastle United.

He is began each Premier League and Champions League match this season and is extensively considered one of many highest-performing midfielders in Europe.

It is no marvel that Actual Madrid have caught his scent.

Actual Madrid’s curiosity in Ryan Gravenberch

As reported earlier this week, Actual Madrid are all for Gravenberch after the Netherlands midfielder’s beautiful begin to the season, making main headway for the reason that middling outcomes of 2023/24.

Stories of Madrid’s curiosity in Gravenberch serve to intensify the considerations round Liverpool’s midfield depth, and although it is unlikely that FSG would permit the high-flying Dutchman to go away for something apart from a staggering sum, it highlights such fears all the identical.

Even so, Liverpool might do with one other deep-sitting possibility within the centre of the park, and may need discovered the right candidate to finish a strong mixture of expertise.

Liverpool desire a new midfielder

In line with Spanish sources, Liverpool are all for signing Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, with the intrigue arising from Los Blancos’ want to signal Gravenberch in a mammoth deal.

This season, De Jong has been on the perimeter as a consequence of an harm and consequent problems, however he has a confirmed document throughout a span of years and will actually add a dimension to Slot’s ball-playing system.

A protracted-time Manchester United goal, Gravenberch’s countryman could be a welcome asset to Liverpool’s first workforce, although whether or not FSG would conform to the £51m outlay is one other matter.

What Frenkie De Jong would convey to Liverpool

There isn’t any denying that Liverpool seemed a bit leggy in opposition to a roaring Newcastle facet on Wednesday, and Gravenberch’s struggles actually did emphasise the necessity for a foil.

Wataru Endo, 32, has performed a bit-part position this time period, and although he is efficient in late moments, combative and hard, the Japan star leaves lots to be desired on the ball. Elsewhere, the younger Tyler Morton is part of the first-team squad however scarcely used. Gravenberch wants help.

And he might discover it in compatriot De Jong, who has struggled for health and kind this season however is thought to have one of many richest passing ranges throughout the continent.

As per FBref, the 27-year-old ranks among the many prime 1% of central midfielders throughout Europe’s prime 5 leagues over the previous yr for cross completion, the highest 4% for progressive passes, the highest 7% for passes tried and progressive carries and the highest 20% for tackles per 90. Fairly the dynamic participant.

Waxing lyrical in regards to the star’s qualities, former Barca boss Xavi mentioned final season that he is “among the finest gamers on the earth.”

When match and firing, that is true. And, furthermore, De Jong would be capable to assume the position that Gravenberch is enjoying for Liverpool. The Liverpool sensation ranks among the many prime 10% of Premier League midfielders this season for passes tried per 90 and the highest 19% for cross completion.

Gravenberch, like De Jong, is an adept driver, penetrating by way of the centre and influencing attacking transitions with slick and purposeful passing. That is essential for Slot’s tactical set-up, permitting for sturdy and managed central play but additionally offering a swap from which ahead transition might be initiated with rapidity.

He is gone from power to power beneath Slot’s wing and it is exhausting to think about that De Jong would not no less than showcase some spectacular qualities inside the Anfield brood.

Although he is struggled for health this time period, beginning only one La Liga fixture, De Jong has accomplished 224 appearances in whole for the Catalan giants, notably lifting one league title and one Copa del Rey trophy.

And final season, throughout 20 league matches, De Jong not solely accomplished 94% of his passes however averaged 1.1 key passes per sport and got here out on prime in 59% of his duels, as per Sofascore.

Patently, there is a world-class participant in there who might make an actual distinction to Liverpool’s exploits beneath Slot’s administration going ahead.

After all, as alluded to earlier, there is no cause why FSG should not engineer a take care of Barcelona for the midfield maestro even when Gravenberch stays put, as will in all probability, hopefully, certainly, be the case.

Liverpool have a demonstrable title-winning high quality about them, having raced into such a commanding lead throughout the opening months of the marketing campaign.

However Gravenberch’s perceived burnout in opposition to Newcastle requires additional expertise to rotate with him and permit for higher depth. Liverpool ought to make their transfer in 2025.