Liverpool’s January transfer priorities should start with midfield and left-back

Defensive midfield remains Liverpool’s central question

Liverpool’s January transfer planning should begin with the areas that determine whether the team can function consistently. On the evidence discussed by Lewis Steele, defensive midfield belongs near the top of that list, with left-back also deserving scrutiny.

Speaking with Dave Davis on Anfield Index’s Media Matters, Steele welcomed the prospect of a holding midfielder after assessing the balance of Andoni Iraola’s side.

“I think the time has now come where they’ve just got to do that.”

That was a clear argument for recruitment. It was not a report that Liverpool had agreed a signing or settled on a January target.

The distinction is important, but the footballing concern is substantial: improved defending has not entirely resolved the problems in front of the back line.

Midfield balance requires more than individual quality

Steele’s strongest criticism concerned the way Liverpool’s midfield has operated collectively.

“I don’t think in any game this season the midfielders looked right.”

He also warned that the side remained susceptible to counter-attacks. Taken together, those observations explain why a specialist holding midfielder would be attractive.

The issue is about responsibilities as much as talent. When several players naturally want to move forward, somebody must recognise when to stay, protect central space and support possession from behind the ball.

Steele described the difficulty as both a system issue and, to some extent, a personnel issue. That makes recruitment one possible part of the answer, rather than a substitute for coaching.

A suitable addition would need to improve positioning, decision-making and the team’s ability to maintain control. Simply adding another accomplished midfielder would offer little reassurance if his preferred movements repeated the existing imbalance.

Left-back recruitment deserves a serious assessment

The case for examining left-back follows from Steele’s broader concern about Liverpool’s full-backs.

“I think that full-backs should be something that they look at in the next six to twelve months.”

That timeframe extends beyond January, and Steele did not restrict his assessment to the left side. He also discussed concerns at right-back. Presenting his comments as confirmation of an imminent left-back signing would therefore overstate them.

Nevertheless, left-back is a reasonable January priority to consider. Steele questioned the level shown by Milos Kerkez and contrasted Liverpool’s current options with the attacking contribution Iraola previously received from his full-backs at Bournemouth.

For this approach to work, the player on the left must offer more than forward running. Timing, passing choices and recovery positioning all affect whether attacking width strengthens the team or exposes it.

Liverpool’s assessment should therefore concern the role they need filled, alongside whether their existing options can deliver it consistently.

Julian Ward needs recruitment that improves balance

For Julian Ward, the argument for prioritising defensive midfield and left-back is strongest when the two positions are considered together.

A holding midfielder can provide the protection that allows a full-back to advance. A reliable full-back can give midfielders a useful passing option and reduce the temptation to force possession through crowded central areas.

Neither addition would guarantee improvement. Both could, however, address the relationship between attacking ambition and defensive security that runs through Steele’s analysis.

There are also internal options to consider. Steele praised Trey Nyoni’s calmness and willingness to undertake defensive work, suggesting that selection changes could help before any transfer becomes possible.

January should consequently be approached with a clear distinction between immediate coaching decisions and recruitment needs. Liverpool can test their existing combinations while assessing whether the squad lacks particular qualities.

On the account provided in Media Matters, a holding midfielder carries the clearest endorsement from Steele. Left-back belongs alongside it as an area for serious assessment. The aim should be a more balanced Liverpool side, with recruitment serving a defined footballing purpose.