The midfield unit that was key to Liverpool’s success last season is struggling, and could do with an exciting Premier League youngster added to the mix.
Looking at the Liverpool squad at the start of the season, you wouldn’t have predicted such issues in the middle of the park.
Alexis Mac Allister has fallen out of favour, but the players ahead of him aren’t setting the world alight either.
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Ryan Gravenberch looks low on confidence, while Curtis Jones continues to split opinion as a starter for the Reds.
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A midfield addition could help raise the level of quality and put pressure on the current options to up their standards, and a prime prospect exists in the Premier League’s best promoted side in recent history.
Liverpool should go after Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki
Sunderland have been nothing short of exceptional this season.
They look like becoming the first promoted side in some time to make the jump to the top flight stick, currently just three points behind Liverpool.
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That has been thanks in large part to captain Granit Xhaka’s imperious presence in midfield, but his partner in crime has been equally impressive.
Noah Sadiki arrived at the Stadium of Light in the summer, and his emergence as an exciting midfield prospect hasn’t gone unnoticed. Chelsea, Manchester United and Juventus have all been credited with interest in the 21-year-old.
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After finishing off his time at Union SG with a title-winning campaign, he has already elevated his game since arriving in England.
A physical, pacey midfielder with all the intangibles to develop into a scary proposition, Sadiki is a name that will continue to be floated as a top target. Liverpool should be right in the mix.
He can beat his man off the dribble, has a long pass in his locker, and possesses the physical traits to cover every blade of grass on the pitch.
His performance at Anfield last month was a glimpse into what he could offer Arne Slot’s side. Gravenberch is relied upon heavily, so his dip in form has been felt more than that of Jones or Mac Allister.
Having another defensive-minded midfielder to compete with — or play alongside in more physical matchups — could be exactly what Liverpool need to regain control in central areas.
You’ve got £80m to fix Liverpool’s midfield this summer, who are you buying?
Elliot Anderson applauds after Nottingham Forest's Premier League match against Manchester United at the City Ground (Credit: Getty Images/Molly Darlington).
Adam Wharton pictured playing for Crystal Palace in the UEFA Conference League match against Fredrikstad at Selhurst Park (Credit: Getty Images/Jacques Feeney/Offside).
Warren Zaire-Emery looks on during the UEFA Champions League match between PSG and VfB Stuttgart at Stuttgart Arena (Credit: Getty Images/Aurelien Meunier/PSG).
Sandro Tonali pictured in action during Newcastle United's Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg against Manchester City at St James' Park (Credit: Getty Images/Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Molly Darlington/Jacques Feeney/Offside/Aurelien Meunier/PSG/Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto
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Sunderland paid £15 million for him just six months ago, but his value will have shot up after an eye-catching half-season with the Black Cats.
Still, he’s a young talent who is clearly suited to the Premier League. Liverpool have much to do next summer in defence and possibly the wide areas, so a more budget-friendly option than an Adam Wharton or a Carlos Baleba could be the right move.
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