John Aldrige believes Liverpool are missing a goalscorer from midfield, despite having plenty of players in that position.
Liverpool possesses an envious amount of quality midfielders, with at least two players designated for each of their three central positions. That is why, despite the departure of Gini Wijnaldum in the summer, Jurgen Klopp decided against signing another midfielder in the summer market.
Klopp has Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara, James Milner, Curtis Jones, and Fabinho in his ranks. Harvey Elliot looked set to make a huge impact this season, although his unfortunate injury against Leeds ends his prospects for the foreseeable future. The sheer number of available players made it sensible to not sign a replacement for Wijnaldum.
Liverpool’s forwards have been in great form this season, and against Leeds United, defensive midfielder Fabinho got himself on the scoresheet. While the Brazilian is not expected to feature among the goals regularly, the Reds might have done well with a goalscoring midfielder as the season progresses.
Former Liverpool star John Aldridge has claimed on that precise issue, suggesting the club might have a problem finding goals from midfield. Tribal Football posted comments from the former striker’s talk with Sunday World, where he lamented the lack of goalscoring midfielders at the club.
Aldridge said, “Losing a player of that quality and failing to replace him is a decision that might come back to haunt Liverpool in the months ahead, but I agree with the manager when he says a direct replacement for (Gini) Wijnaldum was not needed.
“Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Thiago, Fabinho, Harvey Elliott, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones ensure numbers are not a problem for Liverpool in the midfield area.
“You could argue they have too many players in that position as several will not get too many games this season, but they are sadly missing one quality from the central area of the field – a regular supply of goals. To prove my point, the most prolific goalscoring midfielder for Liverpool last season was Wijnaldum with just two goals.”
It may look like a big problem, especially if Liverpool forwards lose their form as the season progresses. However, last season, the club endured a difficult time with injuries, which thoroughly imbalanced their team, including their midfield. However, the Reds might find more goals coming from central areas compared to last season with all big players back.
