It is widely known that Liverpool did an excellent job rebuilding their midfield during the summer transfer window. The massive revival of the Premier League is seen as proof of this. But the interesting thing is that no one praises much. A possible exception is Dominik Szoboslai. He received praise in his first months in power, but it was too late.
Liverpool fans will no doubt disagree with Rio Ferdinand’s exorbitant ‘excessive’ price, but he is no longer the player who represents the original rebuild. Surprisingly, Wataru Endo managed to win most of the individual awards because the expectations were so low. Nobody knew what to expect when Liverpool ditched Moises Caicedo and Romeo Rabia to sign the Bundesliga veteran, but the Japan captain has become a key player in Jurgen Klopp’s combative midfield.
‘Let’s be Liverpool’ – 22-goal forward’s advice moves after Chelsea direct responseStill, Alexis McAllister’s mood can best be described as cautious optimism. It is known that Klopp is yet to play him in his best role. Plans to get him on the field are still unclear, but he could still impact the game.
Ryan Gravenbirch is the least known of the four recruits. He has been linked all summer and finally arrived on deadline day from Bayern Munich. He surprised fans in his early appearances, but has since struggled to make much of an impact. But there is a feeling that the transfer activity with all the new players has been as important as the income.
Klopp has breathed new life into the midfield, but the sudden departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have made the transition much easier. The process of change and innovation became the driving force behind the rebuild, more than the influence of any one player. Liverpool are therefore still keen to add future stars to Klopp’s engine room.
Any change would have been welcome after a disappointing season, but it has taken a long time for the transfer business to materialize and any signings are likely to continue to flourish at Anfield. Of most lasting interest was Gravenberch, the most recent arrival but still the least impressive. Liverpool wanted him when he was at Ajax, so he was seen as a potential game-changer alongside Jude Bellingham, but Bayern Munich beat him to it.
