If Liverpool are serious about rebuilding their midfield, Alex Scott is a name I would love to see on the club’s shortlist.
The Bournemouth midfielder has many of the qualities I believe Liverpool are currently missing. He is composed under pressure, technically gifted, intelligent in possession and particularly effective at carrying the ball through midfield.
At a time when Liverpool have struggled to find the right balance between creativity, control and defensive responsibility, Scott looks like a player who could make a genuine difference.
There is also an obvious connection that makes this potential signing even more appealing: Andoni Iraola knows him extremely well.
A midfielder with the qualities Liverpool need
One of my biggest frustrations with Liverpool’s midfield this season has been the lack of consistent forward progression.
Too often, possession has been moved sideways or backwards, leaving the attacking players isolated and forcing them to create something from limited service.
Scott offers a different dimension.
He is comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces, can turn away from pressure and has the confidence to carry possession into dangerous areas. Rather than simply recycling the ball, he looks to move Liverpool up the pitch.
That ability to break through the opposition’s midfield lines is something the Reds desperately need.
He also brings energy and a willingness to work without possession. This isn’t a midfielder who only wants to show what he can do on the ball. He understands the importance of tracking runners, winning possession and contributing defensively.
Those qualities make him particularly interesting for Liverpool.
Iraola already knows what he can offer
The biggest attraction is arguably the relationship between Scott and Iraola.
The pair worked together at Bournemouth, so the Liverpool manager has already seen first-hand what the midfielder can bring to a team.
That familiarity could be valuable when considering a major midfield addition.
Iraola wouldn’t be taking a gamble on a player whose strengths and weaknesses he knows very little about. He understands Scott’s game, his work rate and how he could fit into his preferred style of football.
Liverpool need players who suit the manager’s ideas rather than simply signing footballers because they are available or have impressive reputations.
Scott would appear to tick several important boxes.
He could help unlock Liverpool’s midfield
I have consistently argued that Liverpool need a more defensively accomplished midfielder, someone with the mobility and intelligence to protect the defence while still being capable of contributing in possession.
Scott could complement that type of signing.
I wouldn’t necessarily expect him to arrive and solve every midfield problem on his own. But alongside the right defensive presence, he could provide the energy, technical quality and forward momentum that have been missing.
He would also give Iraola another option when building his midfield around players such as Trey Nyoni and Alexis Mac Allister.
The important thing is creating a unit in which everybody has a clear role and the players complement one another.
Liverpool have enough individual talent. What they need is a midfield that functions collectively.
The transfer fee could be the stumbling block
Of course, signing Scott won’t be straightforward.
Bournemouth are under no obligation to sell cheaply, and his age, potential and Premier League experience make him an attractive proposition.
There have been reports of substantial interest and a significant valuation, with figures exceeding £80 million including add-ons mentioned in October.
That is a considerable investment, and Liverpool would need to decide whether the asking price represents good value.
I like Scott, but I wouldn’t want the club to repeat the mistake of spending heavily without addressing the overall balance of the squad.
If Liverpool believe he is the right player for Iraola’s system, they should explore the possibility. But they must remain sensible with their recruitment.
My verdict: Alex Scott should be on Liverpool’s radar
I would be delighted if Liverpool managed to bring Alex Scott to Anfield.
He has the technical ability, composure, energy and potential to become an outstanding midfielder. More importantly, he offers qualities that Liverpool have been lacking.
Iraola knows him, understands his game and could help him take the next step in his development.
But this must be part of a wider midfield rebuild. Liverpool still need greater defensive security, more physicality and players capable of controlling the middle of the pitch.
Alex Scott would be an excellent addition, but the real objective must be building a midfield that finally gives Liverpool the balance they have been missing.
If Iraola is going to put his own stamp on this team, this is exactly the sort of player I would like to see him target.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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