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Liverpool have been linked with a move for Adam Wharton but face stiff competition for his signature.
Liverpool’s midfield is probably the strongest area of the squad although there is one specific role that Arne Slot is missing.
He has a selection of technically proficient midfielders who are energetic and who are capable of going box to box, but none of them can control a game or dictate the tempo of a game. The Reds need a playmaker, a player who can break up opposition attacks and then build them for Liverpool. A long list of names has already been mentioned, however, competition has just been ramped up for one contender.
Liverpool face Adam Wharton transfer battle
The report claims that Madrid’s chief scout, Juni Calafat, is the one who has driven the shift in attention claiming that: “The two biggest names on Real Madrid's shortlist to reinforce their midfield are Rodri and Mac Allister. Proven players, but not the favourites for Juni Calafat , who is pressing Florentino Pérez. Adam Wharton should be the focus of their efforts in the coming months.
“Adam Wharton's performance this season with Crystal Palace has been outstanding. So much so that he's one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League. And Juni Calafat is betting on him as the reason for a summer signing to strengthen the midfield.
“Juni Calafat's reports describe Adam Wharton as a ‘strategic’ signing to bolster Real Madrid's midfield. With the club seeking creative talent, he is the ideal target, both in terms of quality and age , guaranteeing a signing for both the present and the future.”
Why Adam Wharton is perfect for Liverpool
Wharton ticks all the boxes. He’s athletic, tall, graceful, is positionally astute, has played nearly 150 games despite only recently turning 22 and has the sort of passing range and tempo that is reminiscent of Andrea Pirlo or Madrid’s own pass-master Redondo. It is his passing that sets him apart from other options like Elliot Anderson or Sandro Tonali and is clearly a fundamental reason why Madrid want him too.
What Wharton also does is make others around him look better. Steven Gerrard was freed up when he had a Xavier Mascherano or Xabi Alonso behind him and Wharton could have the same effect on both Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch. An effect that Alexis Mac Allister isn’t capable of having.
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