Analysis: How can Liverpool achieve a balanced midfield?

Liverpool must have a disciplined midfield if they are to achieve next season.

This transfer window has seen both Naby Keita and Fabinho join the ranks at Liverpool. This helps the midfield conundrum quite a fair bit. Jurgen Klopp has plenty of options now, but which is the best force to go with?

One would assume Liverpool will continue adopting a three-man midfield. It’s the perfect way to ensure their front three have the right conditions to press without fear of being caught out.

My idea of balance in a midfield goes as follows:

• Defensive cover
• Box to box play
• Dictation of play

But, with an abundance of midfield stars, who should Liverpool choose to lead them in the center of the park?

The newbies are guaranteed starters.

Let’s set this straight. Naby Keita and Fabinho HAVE to start. It would take some serious justification otherwise.

They are two of the best available in the Premier League, and they both offer different things.

To start off with, Fabinho would be able to provide the defensive cover needed to start a balanced midfield. He has done this with Monaco, and he’s so good that he can actually play as a defender if need be.

Naby Keita’s role is often misinterpreted. Although he likes to march into challenges rather aggressively, he does also like to bring the ball forward whenever possible. This will cover the box to box element for Liverpool.

But, who is best to dictate play?

Passing is a painstaking art.

Of the players remaining in midfield, only one stands out. His name is Jordan Henderson, sound familiar Liverpool fans?

Jordan Henderson gets his critiques for often ‘passing sideways’. But is that such a bad thing?

Every team needs a midfielder who can keep things ticking. It’s inevitably the most important role, yet the players who take it up, are often criticized.

Henderson does love to bring the ball forward, and he has one canon of a shot on him. However, that onus will be taken away from him by Keita’s arrival, and he can now focus on what he does best.

So, my midfield for Liverpool would go as follows: Jordan Henderson – Fabinho – Naby Keita.

But of course, I am not Jurgen Klopp. And if the German decides to deploy something different, who am I to criticize? It will be interesting to see his choice in the middle of the park.

Next: Tottenham boys continue to lead by example

Who would you go for?