In terms of their attack, it’s been a busy summer of transfers so far for Liverpool, with a number of notable deals done going in both directions.
Popular figures such as Divock Origi and Sadio Mane made emotional Anfield exits alongside Takumi Minamino. But they were replaced by exciting talents Fabio Carvahlo, who joined from Fulham, and Darwin Nunez who signed from Benfica in a deal worth a whopping £85million.
Those deals, along with the move for Luis Diaz in the winter window signalled how the evolution of Liverpool’s attack is in full swing. Developments in the midfield department, though, have been less forthcoming, leading to some questions as to whether Liverpool could find themselves short in this department next season.
The Reds have been linked with a host of midfield targets, with Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham being the most prominent. Liverpool are thought to be in pole position to land the 18-year-old, who is being widely tipped to return to England, however it’s expected that any deal wouldn’t take place until next summer.
Reports indicate Liverpool are willing to wait 12 months to land the teenager, rather than exploring alternatives this summer. Although some Liverpool fans see this as a gamble, Jurgen Klopp recently attempted to address those concerns, stating he already has "incredible" midfield options at the club.
And he pinpointed Harvey Elliott and youngster Tyler Morton as the next two players ready to step into his evolving midfield and make an impact having already been introduced to his first-team squad. In an interview with Sky Sports last week, the German boss stated: “I know people think we should have signed a midfielder… actually we have.
“People forget that Harvey Elliot was our best player in the first four matches of last season and then he got a bad injury. But we brought in Carvalho, who is incredibly interesting. Also Tyler Morton, who is definitely making the next steps, he played good games for us at No.6, however he is actually a No.8.”
He continued to praise 19-year-old Morton by saying “When you see him training…absolutely exceptional.”
It proved to be somewhat of a breakout campaign for Morton last season. The Wirral-born midfielder has been at the Academy since the age of seven and only made his U23s debut in the 2020/21 campaign. He was then handed his senior debut by Klopp in the Carabao Cup against Norwich City before making starts in the Premier League and Champions League, which included playing a key role in Liverpool’s win over AC Milan at the San Siro.
He was named in the Liverpool squad that travelled to Asia as part of the club’s pre-season tour and has featured in both of their friendly fixtures so far against Manchester United and Crystal Palace.
Klopp’s comments indicate that he and Elliott look to set be handed more prominent roles in the Liverpool squad this season, though the Liverpool boss was also keen to remind everyone of the experience and quality around these exciting young prospects.
“We then have all the other boys. At the beginning of last season, we struggled a little bit, Hendo (Jordan Henderson) was injured, Thaigo, Naby (Keita) too. If they all stay fit, we have an incredible amount, but also incredible football players there with all that you need, creativity, hard-working, box to box, it’s all in, we just have to use it in the right way
