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Liverpool certainly have a lot of talented players at their disposal. But what is their best midfield three?
The recent arrival of Luis Diaz has bolstered the attack. And Ibrahima Konate has helped improve competition for places at the back. But the club’s midfield seemingly remains Jurgen Klopp’s biggest headache.
The boss has largely favoured a 4-3-3 formation during his time on Merseyside. He has overseen countless transfers in this period. And several of those have been in the midfield area.
There could still be slight changes to the area in the summer, with many fans wanting a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum. But for now, Klopp must work with the players at his disposal. It remains a mystery, however, as to who he prefers in that midfield three.
Is Fabinho the only guaranteed midfield starter?
Brazilian international Fabinho has proven himself to be one of the top players in the world in his position. In a defensive midfield role, he has been Klopp’s anchor. His crunching tackles and reading of the game have saved the Reds many times over the years.
Moreover, the Brazilian also has an expert range of passing. He’s definitely a guaranteed starter in the current Liverpool side. That leaves two positions free either side of him in central midfield.
Club captain Jordan Henderson is also a first-team regular. His minutes on the field this season back that up. The skipper is a firm favourite of Klopp, and he has slowly but surely won the affection of Liverpool fans.
The remaining spot is, therefore, undoubtedly the one that Klopp is having the most trouble with. Thiago, Curtis Jones, Naby Keita and Harvey Elliott are all most certainly vying for that last spot. But all have been heavily impacted by injury in recent times.
Given his experience and talent, Thiago is perhaps the number one person to fill that role. He undoubtedly still possesses plenty of ability, but has unfortunately been hindered by injury ever since moving to England.
Keita, likewise, has been hampered by injury. But it seems Elliott and Jones – in that order – are ahead of him in the list of Klopp’s favourites. Elliott is reportedly making quite the impression at Anfield.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner meanwhile rarely find themselves in the starting XI. With the exciting young talents coming through, the duo could be on the move this summer.
Midfield reinforcements coming for Liverpool?
Liverpool fans can never be sure of the club’s activity in transfer windows. The recent arrival of Diaz confirms this. It was a signing that not many saw coming.
The same situation could, therefore, arise this summer. Will the Reds look to their youngsters for future midfield class? Or will they look outward? Jones and Elliott will hope it is the former.
One name that has appeared high on the wishlist of many fans is Jude Bellingham. The youngster has been a standout at Borussia Dortmund ever since joining the Bundesliga outfit.
It would take a big fee to tempt him with a return to England. But Klopp and Liverpool definitely have that appeal. It’s certainly one to keep an eye on.
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