Facing a period of transition after high-profile departures like captain Jordan Henderson James Milner and Roberto Firmino, Liverpool opted for a strategic refresh in midfield this season, bringing in four new faces to bolster the engine room.
With the recent news of Jurgen Klopp’s impending departure at the end of the season, these signings take on even greater significance, tasked with shaping the future of the club under a new manager.
Let’s delve into the impact of these new recruits and analyse factors like immediate impact, adaptation to the system, and long-term potential.
Wataru Endo (£16 million from VfB Stuttgart)
- Previous clubs: Shonan Bellmare, Urawa Red Diamonds, Sint-Truiden, Stuttgart
- Honours: J.League Cup (2016), AFC Champions League (2017)
Wataru Endo arrives from Stuttgart with a reputation as a composed and intelligent deep-lying playmaker. The Japan international boasts an impressive passing range and exceptional positional awareness, often dictating the tempo from the base of midfield.
Endo’s arrival provides much-needed stability in Liverpool’s midfield, allowing exciting youngsters like Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones to push forward with greater freedom. However, adapting to the physicality of the Premier League and settling into a new environment could pose initial challenges.
The Japan international was captain of his previous club Stuttgart and is also the skipper of his national team, adding important experience and leadership to a side getting used to life without a number of senior figures such as Henderson, Milner, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino.
Alexis Mac Allister (£35 million from Brighton and Hove Albion)
- Previous clubs: Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Brighton
- Honours: Primera Division (2020), FIFA World Cup (2022)
Secured from Brighton for a reported £35 million, Liverpool signed Alexis Mac Allister and gave him the No. 10 shirt. Mac Allister, a fans’ favourite at the Amex, impressed with his creativity, work ethic, and ability to chip in with goals.
The Argentina international, who bagged 10 Premier League goals in the 2022-23 campaign for Brighton, brings a direct and dynamic presence in the centre of the park. Integrating into Klopp’s high-pressing system and navigating competition for starting spots required a slight adjustment period. Having begun the season deployed in a deep-lying position, he has since flourished when given a more creative licence by Endo cementing the holding role.
Mac Allister brings huge international pedigree to Anfield, having been part of Argentina’s successful World Cup campaign in 2022. The midfielder was a key figure for La Albiceleste in Qatar, playing in every game bar one. He scored a crucial goal in the final group game against Poland, before laying on an assist for Angel Di Maria in the final against France.
Dominik Szoboszlai (£60 million from RB Leipzig)
- Previous clubs: FC Liefering, Red Bull Salzburg, RB Leipzig
- Honours: Austrian Bundesliga (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021), DFB-Pokal (2022, 2023)
Dominik Szoboszlai’s arrival from RB Leipzig injects a dose of youthful exuberance into Liverpool’s midfield. The Hungarian international captain is known for his powerful driving runs, long-range shooting, and ability to contribute in the final third.
Szoboszlai offers a different dimension to Liverpool’s midfield compared to the more possession-focused Thiago Alcantara or the defensively astute Endo. His ability to score spectacular goals from distance and create chances from set-pieces will be a welcome addition to the Reds’ attacking tools. However, adapting to the relentless pressing style and defensive responsibilities demanded by Klopp’s system might be a learning curve.
Szoboszlai interestingly puts his shooting prowess down to having feet that are smaller than average for his height. Standing 6 foot 1, he has a UK 7 shoe size. Szoboszlai believes this gives him increased accuracy when shooting from distance. Judging by his track record of spectacular strikes, we’re not going to argue!
Ryan Gravenberch (£34 million from Bayern Munich)
- Previous clubs: Ajax, Bayern Munich
- Honours: Eredivisie (2019, 2021, 2022), KNVB Cup (2019, 2021), Bundesliga (2023)
The youngest of the quartet, Ryan Gravenberch arrived from Bayern Munich on deadline day with a burgeoning reputation as a box-to-box midfielder. The 21-year-old Dutchman is known for his tireless work ethic, tackling prowess, and ability to win the ball back in dangerous areas.
Gravenberch adds depth and competition to Liverpool’s midfield, as Klopp has looked to move on from established names like Henderson and Milner. However, adapting to the intensity of Klopp’s system and navigating the pecking order within a well-drilled midfield unit could be initial challenges.
Having starred as a youngster at Ajax, Gravenberch struggled to make an impression on German champions Bayern in a single season in Munich, however he has time on his side and is another addition that brings title-winning knowhow to Anfield as they look to topple Manchester City and see off the emerging threat of Arsenal in the battle for Premier League supremacy.
