Liverpool’s Midfield Conundrum: Who Will Rise to the Brentford Challenge?
In the aftermath of Liverpool’s recent fixtures, the midfield has been a revolving door due to injuries and illness. The news about both Trent and Dom was the last thing that any red was hoping for. Jurgen Klopp’s squad, now two points clear at the top, faces a new test against Brentford this weekend and fans are eagerly speculating who will join Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones in the engine room. There’s three real candidates, but it hard to be ecstatic about any of them.
Klopp’s Injury Headaches
Klopp has been candid about the challenges facing his squad. With a record Anfield attendance witnessing the grit of the Reds, Klopp highlighted the absences: “We lost this morning Ali with, I don’t know, we lost Joey with the flu, Ali we will see, and before the game Ryan felt a little bit somewhere,” he said, stressing the impact on team selection. Gravenberch has had fatigue issues earlier in the season and there’s question marks about his physicality from most of the fanbase. 12:30pm kick off away at Brentford ticks a few of the fear boxes.
Midfield Options and Dilemmas
Klopp’s midfield selection is like a complex chess game. Harvey Elliott’s skill is undeniable and there will be a clamour for some after two assists against Burnley previously, but concerns over his physicality against Brentford’s towering presence are more than valid. That combined with Gravenberch, who as we confirmed earlier Klopp had said “felt something on Saturday” and has faced critiques over his robustness – a potential liability against Brentford’s set-piece prowess. This may lead to one outcome.
Alexis Mac Allister with just 27 touches in that half – only Darwin Nunez (22) and Caoimhin Kelleher (19) had fewer for Liverpool. Always feel he struggles to influence games further forward and that it weaken's Liverpool's ability to pass through the opposition formation.
— David Lynch (@dmlynchlfc) February 10, 2024
Tactical Adjustments
David Lynch’s half time tweet said what most of us were thinking and pinpointed a tactical shift if Endo joins Mac Allister and Jones. Endo’s inclusion would push Mac Allister forward, which, as Lynch suggests, could weaken Liverpool’s ability to penetrate the opposition’s formation. The balance between maintaining a solid midfield while fostering offensive threats is delicate. Mac Allister does appear more comfortable and effective in a deeper role which he’s taken o since arriving at Anfield. As Sam McGuire would cry ‘sample size!’, but the early signs weren’t too encouraging.
Tactical Tightrope
The coming game poses a strategic tightrope for Klopp. The decision will not just be about individual talent, but how it affects the team’s shape and ability to counter Brentford’s unique threats. With Liverpool’s recent performance as a backdrop, the midfield trio of Mac Allister, Jones, and the chosen third will need to be more than just technically gifted; they will need to embody the resilience and adaptability that has become synonymous with Klopp’s Liverpool. It’s not going to be perfect, but it’s a must-win.
