Liverpool Have Lost the Middle - The Stats Explain Why
Despite improvements elsewhere, Liverpool’s midfield ranks poorly for duels and second balls. The numbers point toward a missing ball-winner, not a winger or centre-back.
Right now, there’s a lot of focus on the centre-backs Liverpool should buy. Perhaps even more focus on the winger they want to buy in Antoine Semenyo. But arguably the biggest weakness in the squad is the midfield.
For years now, Liverpool have tried to add one more ball-winner to the line-up. Under Jurgen Klopp, Aurelien Tchouameni and Moises Caicedo were pursued. Arne Slot and Richard Hughes made a move for Martin Zubimendi.
Ultimately, Slot’s genius tactical tweak saw Ryan Gravenberch emerge as an option. The Dutch midfielder has done brilliantly in the role. But it’s clear Liverpool cannot rely on him alone. They need fresh legs, and they need someone who can be even more aggressive in their ball-winning capabilities. The Fabinho hole remains.
We’re seeing why this is so necessary amid Liverpool’s bad run of form. The Reds are not winning enough tackles and interceptions in the middle third of the pitch, and they are struggling to win those second balls when teams play direct against them.