Liverpool’s Midfield Puzzle: Klopp’s Best Combination | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Midfield Dilemma –  Who Makes the Strongest Three?

As Liverpool enter the closing stages of this sensational season, their eyes remain firmly on the Premier League title and a potential treble in Jurgen Klopp’s farewell season. The Reds have already lifted one piece of silverware this season, as they beat Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final back in February.

Liverpool’s pursuit of trophies is set to take another huge leap with the returns of the likes of Curtis Jones, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ryan Gravenberch, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Alisson Becker, all expected in the next few weeks. However, that will certainly leave Jurgen Klopp with a severe case of selection headache – particularly in his midfield department.

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Therefore, today we’re going to be taking a closer look at what Liverpool’s strongest midfield will be once all players return.

Impressive New Signings

Three of Liverpool’s summer signings have been standout performances so far this season, with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo all impressing. Ryan Gravenberch started brightly, but has been plagued by a number of injuries over recent months.

Out of these players, Mac Allister is undoubtedly in Liverpool’s strongest midfield three. The number ten has brought a whole new dynamic to Klopp’s midfield three, offering a level of maturity, tenacity and incredible amounts of technical brilliance. His ability to slot into any role in the midfield makes him an incredibly valuable member of the squad.

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Wataru Endo has perhaps been the biggest surprise of the season, with the Japanese international becoming an integral part of the midfield. Eyebrows were certainly raised when Liverpool bought Endo for £16million in the summer, but the 31-year-old has definitely proved his doubters wrong. His ability to read the game and break up the play has become a crucial aspect of Liverpool’s tactical system, particularly in important games.

Dominik Szoboszlai started his Liverpool career brilliantly, and whilst I don’t believe he has fell off to the level that some will make you believe, I do acknowledge that he hasn’t quite hit the heights that he set at the start of the season. Nevertheless, his incredible work rate and eye for a goal also adds his own importance to this setup.

Photo: IMAGO

Academy Lads Stepping Up…

As good as Liverpool’s new signings have been, the immense step up from the likes of Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott have been equally as important. When fit, Jones has often appeared to nail down a spot in Klopp’s strongest midfield three.

Harvey Elliott hasn’t quite managed to break into the starting lineup in the same way, but has endured an incredible season himself. His future could definitely look bright under someone like Xabi Alonso, but I don’t see him being an integral part of Liverpool’s Premier League run-in.

Other academy graduates have also impressed recently, with the likes of Bobby Clark and James McConnell making waves within the first-team. However, unless there’s a serious injury crisis, I think they’ve already played most of their minutes for this season.

Klopp’s Midfield for the Run-In

I think Klopp’s midfield plans will mostly be built around four key players – Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai. As long as they stay fit, I think Endo and Mac Allister will likely play the most minutes in Klopp’s midfield.

The third midfield slot will likely be rotated between Szoboszlai and Jones, but I actually think that Klopp may lean towards Jones, especially in the Premier League. Either way, Liverpool have definitely got an impressive list of midfield options to choose from and I’m sure they’re title pursuit is in capable hands regardless.