New Liverpool manager Arne Slot is preparing to make significant changes to his squad ahead of the upcoming season.
With the summer transfer window open, Slot is already eyeing improvements, particularly in the midfield. One player who might be affected by these changes is Wataru Endo, who could be replaced by a high-profile signing.
According to Football Insider, Japan’s Endo was picked last summer for a short fix.
He played in 43 matches and started off well at the season’s start, but his game dropped as time went on. Liverpool’s midfield issues hurt their run for the Premier League title, showing they need better players.
Last summer, Liverpool didn’t get their main choice, Moises Caicedo, who went to Chelsea instead.
Still, they managed to get Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch on their team. Even with these new players, the club still really wants to bring in a top defensive midfielder now that Slot is in charge.
Several midfielders have been linked with Liverpool, including Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa and Alan Varela from Porto. Varela has drawn comparisons to former Liverpool star Javier Mascherano, known for his exceptional defensive skills.
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Additionally, Slot has been advised to consider repositioning Gravenberch into a more defensive role.
Rafael van der Vaart, a past midfield star for the Netherlands, thinks Gravenberch can reach new highs like Nigel De Jong and Patrick Vieira if he plays more on defense.
Talking to Voetbal International, a Dutch news source, Van der Vaart shared, “I tell Ryan to pick a spot playing deep in the field. That will not be an easy choice for him because he can do much more.
You can compare it with Nigel de Jong in the past. Nigel could do much more than the subservient controller he eventually became. Nigel decided he was going to be a pit bull, and that’s it. Ryan is also very versatile, and I recommend he make a similar choice.”
Slot’s vision for Liverpool involves assessing the current squad during preseason and determining who fits into his plans. Some players will undoubtedly impress, while others may not meet his expectations.
Also Read: Arne Slot’s Rule Number One : Discipline and Transformation Await at Liverpool
The transfer market provides an opportunity for Slot to make necessary adjustments and bring in players who align with his strategy.
The future of Liverpool’s midfield is uncertain, with Endo’s position under scrutiny and potential big-name signings on the horizon. Slot’s decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the team’s prospects for the next season.
As Liverpool aims to strengthen its squad, fans eagerly await the club’s moves in the transfer market and how these changes will impact their performance on the pitch.
