For much of the summer, the conversation surrounding Liverpool has centred on who the club should sign in midfield.
Adam Wharton.
Lamine Camara.
Khephren Thuram.
Alex Scott.
The list seems to grow by the week.
But what if Liverpool’s biggest strength is already sitting inside the AXA Training Centre?
Because when you actually look at the options available to Andoni Iraola, it becomes clear that Liverpool already possess a midfield capable of competing with almost anyone in Europe.
The challenge is not rebuilding it.
The challenge is getting the very best out of it.
Alexis Mac Allister – The Conductor
Watching Argentina during the World Cup has been a reminder of just how influential Alexis Mac Allister can be when used in his preferred role.
Operating as the deepest midfielder, he dictated the tempo, controlled possession and constantly kept Argentina moving forward.
Personally, I have said for some time that Mac Allister is Liverpool’s best No.6.
He is not simply a defensive midfielder.
He is the player who controls football matches.
If Iraola uses him in that role consistently, Liverpool could finally have the midfield conductor they have been searching for.
Florian Wirtz – The Difference Maker
There is little doubt that Florian Wirtz possesses world-class ability.
His performances for Germany at the World Cup have shown exactly why Liverpool invested so heavily in him.
The talent has never been in question.
The task now is creating a system that allows him to flourish.
Under Iraola, there is every reason to believe that could happen.
Ryan Gravenberch – Untapped Potential
Ryan Gravenberch remains one of Liverpool’s most intriguing players.
His athleticism, ability to carry the ball and technical quality make him perfectly suited to Iraola’s high-intensity football.
There is still a feeling that Liverpool have only seen glimpses of what he is capable of.
A settled role could change that.
Stefan Bajčetić – Like a New Signing
After injury disrupted his progress, Stefan Bajčetić finally looks ready to return.
Many supporters have described him as being like a new signing.
It is easy to understand why.
His composure, intelligence and maturity were evident long before his injury setbacks.
If he can stay fit, Liverpool suddenly have another outstanding midfield option without spending a penny.
Dominik Szoboszlai – Ready to Thrive Again
Dominik Szoboszlai has all the attributes Iraola wants.
Energy.
Intensity.
Pressing.
Running power.
He works tirelessly both with and without the ball.
Under a manager whose football demands constant movement, Szoboszlai could become one of Liverpool’s most important players once again.
Curtis Jones – A Fresh Opportunity?
Reports continue to link Curtis Jones with a move away.
Yet if he remains at Anfield, a new manager could completely transform his situation.
Jones has always possessed technical quality.
Perhaps what he has lacked most is consistent trust.
Iraola’s arrival offers him another opportunity to prove he belongs.
Wataru Endo – Experience Still Matters
Wataru Endo often felt underused last season.
Whenever called upon, however, he usually delivered dependable performances.
His experience and tactical discipline remain valuable, particularly across a long campaign.
Every successful squad needs reliable professionals.
Endo still has an important role to play.
One Signing, Not Five
Does Liverpool need another midfielder?
Possibly.
Someone like Adam Wharton or Lamine Camara would undoubtedly strengthen the squad.
But there is a huge difference between adding one elite midfielder and rebuilding the entire department.
Liverpool already possess:
- Mac Allister
- Wirtz
- Gravenberch
- Bajčetić
- Szoboszlai
- Jones
- Endo
That is an impressive collection of talent.
If Iraola can organise them correctly, Liverpool may already have one of Europe’s strongest midfields.
The Biggest Signing Might Be the Manager
Supporters naturally become excited by transfer rumours.
But perhaps Liverpool’s biggest improvement next season will not come from a new midfielder.
It may come from a manager who finally unlocks the enormous quality already available.
Because if Iraola gets this midfield functioning as a unit, Liverpool may discover they needed evolution rather than revolution.
And that should be an exciting thought for every supporter.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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