Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp have informed super-agent Jorge Mendes that they wish to acquire his client Ruben Neves from Premier League rival Wolverhampton Wanderers in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Liverpool are in the process of restructuring their midfield as they aim to upgrade their engine room and recapture the relentless energy that propelled them to many victories under Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool’s midfield crisis
With Jordan Henderson, James Milner, and Thiago all above the age of 30, as well as Fabinho’s dip in form, the German wants to reinforce his midfield.
Players such as Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain look set to leave for free in the summer and it seems Klopp will be able to bring in two direct replacements in midfield as a result.
One of those could be the versatile, experienced, and technically gifted midfielder in Ruben Neves.
The Merseyside club is enduring a significant struggle with each match they play.
In our view, the addition of Neves to Liverpool’s squad would inject more dynamism and solidity into their midfield.
Neves could bring the creativity that the team has been lacking this season and rejuvenate a midfield that has struggled to dominate matches as it did in the past season.
Neves – A perfect fit for the Reds’ middle park?
The Portuguese international is a force to be reckoned with in the midfield, possessing the ability to defend, shield the backline, cover a significant amount of ground, and push the team forward.
Neves’ playing style can be defined as that of a deep-lying playmaker, and he has frequently operated as a solitary defensive midfielder or as part of a midfield three or double-pivot.
This versatility could enable him to slot into the base of Klopp’s 4-3-3 formation or on either side of a defensive midfielder (presumably Fabinho), in a position where he would be responsible for covering more ground and assisting in initiating and advancing the team’s attacks.
Neves has played in 26 matches, tallying an XG of 3.9 and XAG of 1.0, with a total of 5 goals scored this season. The greatest asset lies in his passing ability, particularly in executing long balls.
Moreover, Liverpool assistant manager, Pep Lijnders, holds high regard for Neves, having previously coached him at Porto.
In a 2019 interview with O Jogo, Lijnders expressed that players like him ‘always’ interest Liverpool.
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