The Reds are looking to bring in a natural defensive midfielder and have hence shortlisted Foxes Nigerian international midfielder Wilfred Ndidi. Jurgen Kloop has not yet figured out the best midfield combination at the Anfield and their are lot of questions being asked about it. The German will be desperate to bring in fresh new talent in the summer specifically in the defensive area and has already shortlisted Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.
Ndidi has been a key member for Claujde Puel’s side since his arrival in January 5 2017 for a reported fee of £17m from Belgian club Genk. Wilfred was bought in to replace Ngolo Kante and he has been impressive ever since. The 21 year old is evolving into a quality player who can dictate the game at his will, he is fantastic in the Anchor man role.
The Reds have only a few options to play at defensive midfield position. England international Jordon Henderson is often played there by Jurgen Kloop although it’s not his natural position, he is more productive as a deep lying playmaker or as a box to box midfielder. Wijnaldum is a more of a controller and an attacking minded midfielder who drifts into holes of the opposition looking to pass the ball to the attackers or have a go himself.
James Milner is one of the versatile players at the Anfield who can pretty much play anywhere on the field if the manager asks him to. Milner however is in the twilight of his career and can’t guarantee long term future. Alex Oxelade-Chamberlain is also a attacking midfielder and Kloop certainly won’t rely on him for the defensive duties.
Germany international Emre Can is the only natural defensive midfielder at the club but his contract runs out this summer and the former Bayern Munich man is yet to agree personal terms with the club. However he is also linked to many clubs such as Manchester City and Juventus who are keen to snap him up. The Reds should certainly look to offer him a better deal rather than letting him go for free.
Guinea international Naby Keita was signed by Liverpool last summer for £48m and a premium undisclosed fee. Keita was then loaned back to RB Leipzig and he will return this summer. However, he is not a defensive midfielder and he too is a box to box midfielder in every sense and will not thrive much playing as a defensive midfielder. He will be effective playing as a advance play-maker who likes to make those runs through the defence of the opponent.
Wilfred Ndidi is massive upgrade to the position and can be a quality option to play in the heart of the midfield if Emre Can decides to stay, he is just 21 years old and will definitely gurantee a long term future at the position since the departure of Barcelona legend Mascherano who left for the Catalans in 2010. Jurgen Kloop works well with youth players and if Ndidi forces a move through he will certainly nurture well under Kloop and become a world class player in his position.
