The upcoming Premier League season presents an intriguing challenge for Liverpool, particularly concerning their midfield composition, as a key player faces an early suspension.
Ryan Gravenberch, a vital cog in the team’s previous campaign, will unfortunately miss the opening match against Bournemouth due to a red card incurred in the season finale. This absence creates an immediate void that the squad must address.
While Alexis Mac Allister, another significant midfield presence, is catching up on pre-season training after a delayed return, expectations remain high for his availability for the Premier League opener, offering a potential solution.
Meanwhile, Tyler Morton, who has also operated in the midfield, appears to be on the verge of an exit, with French club Lyon emerging as a strong contender despite initial hesitations over Liverpool’s valuation exceeding £10 million.
Amidst these shifts, Curtis Jones has quietly but effectively showcased his versatility and impressive form during his pre-season appearances, demonstrating his capability to adapt to various midfield roles and contribute to the team’s attacking play.
However, it is Dominik Szoboszlai who has truly shone throughout the warm-up programme, responding emphatically to the heightened competition for starting berths following the arrival of the formidable £116 million attacking midfielder, Florian Wirtz.
Szoboszlai’s exceptional performances have seen him contribute to goals from a right-back position in a closed-doors friendly against Stoke City and score a magnificent effort while deployed in a central midfield pairing alongside Wirtz and Harvey Elliott.
His latest impressive display alongside Gravenberch on the left side of a double pivot, with Wirtz positioned ahead, further underscores his readiness to seamlessly integrate into the starting lineup alongside new acquisitions and existing talents.
Manager Arne Slot is keen on strategic rotation throughout the demanding season, acknowledging the minimum 48 games Liverpool expects to play, and Szoboszlai’s adaptability will be crucial in ensuring depth and quality across the midfield, especially in Gravenberch’s temporary absence.
