An early knock in the 2025/26 season revealed that the heart of Liverpool’s problems lies in their defence. Ibrahima Konate was riddled with mistakes, Virgil van Dijk struggled to organize his backline and Arne Slott’s system was a mess.
However, as the season progressed, it became clear that the forwards had to take on an equal amount of responsibility. After all, Mohamed Salah is coming to the end of his glittering career at Anfield, and Hugo Ekitike continues to be dissolute in front of goal, despite his impressive performances in the final third.
However, the root cause of Liverpool’s decline may actually lie in their midfield. With Ryan Gravenbirch and Alexis Mac Allister both down significantly from last year’s standards, it’s clear that FSG needs to make changes this summer.
Liverpool are ready to strengthen their midfield
Graven Birch signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool this month, but Mac Allister is nearing the final year of his contract at Anfield and his poor performances this season have raised questions about whether extending the 27-year-old’s contract is a wise move.
The Argentina international emerged as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders after joining Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, but this year he has been overshadowed by that stalwart player at the epicenter of Liverpool’s decline.
Alexis Mac Allister in Prem Four Slots | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (* per match) | 24/25 | 25/26 |
Match (start) | 35(30) | 30(26) |
the goal | 5 | 2 |
assist | 5 | 2 |
touch* | 55.8 | 50.9 |
Exact path* | 35.5 (87%) | 33.6 (86%) |
Key pass* | 1.3 | 0.8 |
dribble* | 0.5 | 0.3 |
Ball recovery rate* | 4.2 | 2.9 |
Tackle + Interception* | 3.3 | 2.0 |
clearance* | 0.8 | 1.0 |
Duel (win)* | 4.9 (48%) | 3.1 (45%) |
Rumors have surfaced in recent months that Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested, so it could be worth bringing in Mac Allister, who, while fulfilling his role, may be missing something vital to Liverpool’s development in the centre.
According to reports in Italy, FSG have already put their plans into action, appointing Juventus’ Kefren Thuram, a midfielder who has caught the eye of manager Jurgen Klopp ahead of a midfield rebuild in 2023.
The Serie A giants do not want to sell, but they may not be able to withstand the Premier League’s financial strength. The French international is therefore on the transfer list for €60 million (equivalent to £52 million).
Manchester United and Newcastle United are also interested.
Why Liverpool are returning to Thuram
Liverpool’s analytics team have already completed an extensive profile on Thuram, and the 25-year-old has become a mainstay in Juventus’ midfield, averaging two tackles per game in Serie A this season, completing 61% of his dribbles and covering a lot of ground in the center of the park.
Liverpool reporter Sam McGuire said Thuram could have been.monster” Under Klopp’s wing, and now a more refined player, he could reinvigorate the Dutch midfield by scoring shots under the wing in the slot.
His intelligence on the ball is reminiscent of Gini Wijnaldum, who once orchestrated and commanded Liverpool’s central midfield. His partnership with Jordan Henderson and Fabinho is timeless and he won so many trophies with the Reds.
Although Thuram is not the most accurate passer, he shares his intelligence on the ball with Liverpool’s former Dutch midfielder. Furthermore, he is very progressive both in his career and when he passes forward.
Gini was sharp and intelligent with the ball, but lacked the penetrating range of Mac Allister.
However, Liverpool need someone who can defend well, guide the flow of play and bring a fierce, powerful energy to the team, and in Thuram they may sign some sort of hybrid player. They may sign someone who can provide a Mac Allister-like presence while playing with a confidence and dynamism we haven’t seen so far this season.
Thuram could definitely be that player, especially when playing against the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, who has developed into one of the best players in the world this season, and could be the talisman to guide his struggling teammates forward.
After all, he is coveted by many Premier League players and his rugged midfield style has even led analyst Ben Mattinson to claim that his ability on the ball is similar to Pogba’s.
Pundit Alan Shearer once said Wijnaldum was “running Liverpool’s midfield” and now Thuram could do the same with a resurgent Anfield side next season.
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