The 2023-2024 season has been a renaissance for Liverpool Football Club and its fervent fanbase. Following a lacklustre previous season, Klopp orchestrated a complete midfield makeover.
One of the new acquisitions, Alexis emerges as a strong contender for Player of the Season. Szoboszlai kicked off the season in spectacular fashion, showcasing immense promise. However, an untimely injury had temporarily sidelined him. Nonetheless, his unwavering commitment and dedication are undeniable, as he continues to give nothing less than his absolute best. Gravenberch, though young, is currently finding his footing. We may witness his true potential blossom in the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Wataru Endo’s meteoric rise has taken many by surprise, particularly those who may not closely follow Bundesliga or Stuttgart. Endo’s emergence as a revelation has been nothing short of astonishing.
Yet, as Liverpool basks in Endo’s brilliance, it’s crucial to plan for the future. The club must secure a young defensive midfield protégé to learn from and rotate with Endo next season. With the return of data-driven nerds at the club, let’s try and follow a similar approach to identify our top three contenders.
Rise of Wataru Endo: A Revelation in Red
Klopp, a staunch advocate of Wataru Endo, hailed him as a ‘machine on the pitch’ upon his arrival at Liverpool this summer. A circulating video captured Klopp emphasizing Endo’s crucial role in his ultra-attacking team. Little did anyone know then the accuracy of Klopp’s assessment. Now, before we explore potential successors, let’s unravel the qualities that have endeared Wataru Endo to the Kop faithful.
Endo’s allure lies not only in his defensive prowess but also in his attacking contributions, with progressive passes and shot-creating actions exceeding the 50th percentile mark. Any prospective replacement must match or surpass these standards.
Joao Neves: The Dream Signing
Joao Neves emerges at the top of our list. With stellar defensive and attacking stats, Neves offers a blend of speed and aerial prowess perfectly suited to the rigors of the Premier League. Hailed as a rising star, the Benfica prodigy has been making waves in the football world. Following the club’s record-breaking transfer of Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea last January, Neves seamlessly transitioned into the first-team fold.
But the looming question remains: Will Benfica be willing to part ways with him? With a hefty release clause attached, the prospect of acquiring Neves for a sum nearing €100m poses a significant financial consideration. Is such a substantial investment justifiable for a midfielder? That’s not typically the Liverpool way of conducting business. So, with Neves potentially out of reach, where should Liverpool turn their attention? Are there other, more financially viable options on the market?
Mats Wieffer & Angelo Stiller: Eredivisie’s & Bundesliga’s Gem
In Mats Wieffer, Liverpool may find an affordable yet promising option. Excelling in both defensive and attacking metrics in the Eredivisie, Wieffer’s athleticism and versatility make him an intriguing prospect. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge a caveat: Does the relative strength of the Eredivisie compared to other leagues potentially skew these statistics? How can Liverpool mitigate this factor when evaluating Wieffer’s suitability for the team?
Based on the statistics, we can confidently extend the same level of assurance to the final suggestion from the Bundesliga, Angelo Stiller. When Wataru Endo made the move from Stuttgart to Liverpool, the German club promptly filled the void with Stiller from Hoffenheim. Like Endo, Stiller has a low centre of gravity to twist and turn out of situations. He possesses the versatility to both burst forward in attack and anchor defensively, dictating play with finesse. His left-footed prowess potentially adds a new dimension to the team. But the burning question remains: Can Liverpool secure Endo’s Stuttgart successor in Stiller whom they have just signed last season?
While Neves remains the dream choice, both Wieffer and Stiller offer viable solutions to Liverpool’s defensive midfield conundrum. Any of these three options could effectively address Liverpool’s need for a young defensive midfielder. But what are your thoughts? Which player do you believe would best complement Liverpool’s midfield lineup? Or perhaps you have an alternative suggestion in mind? Share your insights with us.