Liverpool look increasingly likely to target a new midfielder this summer, and Jermaine Pennant believes two Premier League players would fit perfectly.
There is still uncertainty around Curtis Jones’s future at Liverpool while his contract situation drags on. Alexis Mac Allister also has some external noise around him, though to a lesser extent.
Regardless of whether a sale is made, Arne Slot’s midfield needs work. Liverpool have quality options, but they could still do with another player who can dictate games, progress the ball and give the team a more natural option at the base of midfield.
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Fernando Torres reacts during the Legends football match between Liverpool Legends and Ajax Legends at Anfield. Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino playing in a Europa League clash against Rangers.
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Jermaine Pennant urges Liverpool to sign Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton
Both Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton have been linked with big moves in recent months.
Wharton has been mentioned around Liverpool quite a bit, while Anderson has been spoken about more in relation to Manchester City. Still, both should be on the table if Liverpool are looking to strengthen in midfield.
Pennant, speaking about Liverpool transfers on talkSPORT, said: “It’s going to be so important to get those midfield roles right isn’t it? Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton in that number six, would be absolutely perfect for that role.”
Wharton has developed into one of the most composed young midfielders in the Premier League at Crystal Palace. He is calm in possession, a top passer of the ball, and looks like the kind of player who can help control matches.
Adam Wharton pictured on the ball during Crystal Palace's UEFA Europa League match against Fiorentina at the Estadio Artemio Franchi
Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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His reading of the game and ability to take care of the ball would suit Liverpool, especially in matches where Slot’s side need more control.
Anderson is slightly different. The Nottingham Forest midfielder is more of an elite ball progressor. He carries the ball well, moves play forward quickly and has the physical edge to cope with a high-intensity midfield.
He is also asked to press more than Wharton, which makes him an obvious fit for a team who want energy as well as technical quality.
Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest reacts during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Anfield
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Neither would come cheap, but Liverpool cannot afford to be passive in midfield this summer. If Jones is considering his future and Mac Allister continues to attract interest, the Reds need to be ready.
Wharton and Anderson are two of the best young midfielders in England right now. Pennant is right to point Liverpool in their direction.
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