Journalist: Liverpool must sign a new midfielder this summer

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s alarming decline

The data only deepens the concern.

According to figures referenced by Gregg Evans, Mac Allister’s average speed and top speed have both dropped compared to previous seasons. His pressing numbers have fallen sharply too, sliding from 44.8 per game in 2023-24 to 38.1 this term.

That matters because Liverpool’s midfield once thrived on relentless pressure. Without it, the entire side becomes stretched.

Ryan Gravenberch has also suffered. Last season, Mac Allister’s energy and defensive awareness gave the Dutchman freedom to flourish in deeper positions. Now the burden has shifted the other way.

Liverpool clearly recognise Gravenberch as a long-term cornerstone after handing him a new five-year contract in March. That decision only increases the urgency around signing another holding midfielder capable of protecting the defence while driving play forward.

As Gregg Evans noted, “Liverpool still need a new midfielder who can punch the ball forward with purpose while providing the team with more defensive cover and perhaps additional height.”

Those requirements feel obvious when examining the current options. Wataru Endo is now 33 and entering the final year of his deal. Trey Nyoni remains highly talented but physically raw. Curtis Jones’ future remains uncertain. Even if Mac Allister rediscovers his best form, Liverpool lack the depth and balance needed for another title challenge.

Recruitment failures still haunting Liverpool

Liverpool’s midfield rebuild has been drifting for years.

The club missed out on Aurelien Tchouameni, then failed to land Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia. Martin Zubimendi also slipped away after deciding to remain with Real Sociedad before ultimately moving elsewhere.

Gregg Evans described how “that failed pursuit opened up an opportunity for Gravenberch to fill in”, and initially the gamble appeared inspired. Under Arne Slot and John Heitinga, Gravenberch adapted impressively. But Liverpool cannot continue relying on internal solutions alone.

There is also the Florian Wirtz factor. The German’s difficult first season has added further strain on the midfield unit, with Evans observing that his struggles with Premier League physicality “have impacted those operating around him”.

Liverpool’s midfield often looks lightweight, overly open and vulnerable in transition. Those weaknesses become brutally exposed against elite opposition.

The comparison with Arsenal is revealing. Declan Rice has transformed their midfield through consistency, physical dominance and leadership. Even alongside younger players, Rice provides security and authority that Liverpool currently lack in the centre of the pitch.

Liverpool need their own version of that presence.

Summer strategy must focus on balance

Finding the right holding midfielder will not be straightforward.

Elite-level options such as Rodri or Rice are unrealistic. Paris Saint-Germain’s midfielders are unattainable. Tchouameni appears settled in Madrid. Adam Wharton would command a massive fee.

That leaves Liverpool facing difficult decisions.

Sandro Tonali and Boubacar Kamara are among the names linked, though both carry risks. Kamara’s injury history is concerning, while Tonali’s situation presents complications of its own.

Still, Liverpool cannot afford hesitation.

As Gregg Evans concluded, “if a plug-and-play holding midfielder is not an option, then Liverpool may have to get creative and look for the next best thing on the market.”

That creativity could determine whether Liverpool merely recover next season or genuinely compete again at the top of English football. Midfield control remains the foundation of every great side. Right now, Liverpool simply do not have enough of it.