Liverpool’s Strategic Move to Reinforce Midfield with Morten Frendrup
According to Italian outlet Tuttosport, Liverpool are reportedly leading the chase to sign Morten Frendrup, the 22-year-old midfield maestro from Genoa. This move could be a game-changer for Jurgen Klopp’s squad, particularly in the wake of bidding adieu to stalwart Fabinho.
Liverpool’s Midfield Transformation Post-Fabinho
The departure of Fabinho to the Saudi Pro League marked the end of an era for Liverpool. The subsequent acquisition of Wataru Endo from Stuttgart, a seasoned campaigner, seemed to be a direct response to this loss. However, Klopp’s reliance on Alexis Mac Allister in the deeper midfield role signaled a tactical shift, only disrupted by an injury episode. Despite Endo’s commendable contribution post this shift, the search for a more youthful and long-term midfield anchor remains a priority.
Morten Frendrup: A Rising Star in Serie A
Morten Frendrup, a Danish prodigy, made his mark with Genoa after moving from Brondby. His contract, extending until 2026, has seen him become an integral part of the Italian side, showcasing his resilience and consistency. His performance in Serie A has not gone unnoticed, with Liverpool now poised to bring this burgeoning talent to Anfield.
TALENT OF THE DAY
Morten Frendrup
Age: 20
Country: 🇩🇰
Club: Brøndby
Position: DM/CM
Player role: midfield destroyer
Strengths: pace, passing, athleticism, positioning, tenacity, tackling, maturity, work rate
Foot: right
Similar type of player: Marten de Roon
Potential: 8,5/10— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) August 5, 2021
Tactician’s Dream: Frendrup’s Defensive Prowess
Frendrup’s style has been aptly summarised as that of a “destroyer”, a term reflecting his tenacious defensive capabilities. Leading Serie A in tackles, with 72 attempts and 37 successful tackles, Frendrup has also excelled in dribblers tackled (31) and blocks (30). These statistics, courtesy of FBRef, not only highlight his defensive acumen but also his knack for the less glamorous aspects of the game.
| Stat (per 90) | Wataru Endo | Morten Frendrup |
|---|---|---|
| Tackle attempts | 1.90 | 4.0 |
| Tackles won | 1.03 | 2.06 |
| Dribblers tackled | 1.06 | 1.72 |
| Blocks | 1.36 | 1.67 |
| Pass completion | 84% | 78.3% |
| Progressive passes | 5.81 | 3.61 |
Balancing Defence with Offensive Contribution
While Frendrup’s defensive metrics are impressive, his offensive numbers, particularly in passing, raise some concerns. With a pass completion rate of 78.3%, he ranks in the lower percentile among his peers. This contrasts with Endo’s more refined passing skills. Liverpool’s challenge lies in finding the right balance between Frendrup’s defensive prowess and the need for offensive fluidity.
Road Ahead For Liverpool
As Liverpool continue to monitor Frendrup’s progression, the potential acquisition of this young midfielder represents a strategic move to bolster their midfield for the future. His development in areas of concern will be key to determining if he can indeed be the long-term successor to Fabinho’s throne at Anfield.
In conclusion, Liverpool’s interest in Morten Frendrup is a testament to their forward-thinking approach, seeking to blend youthful exuberance with tactical maturity. As the Premier League landscape continues to evolve, moves like these could very well define the success trajectories of top clubs.
