There were various reports last summer that Liverpool were interested in snaffling up Leicester City’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. This didn’t come to fruition, and the 25-year-old went on to have an incredible campaign in the Championship.
Liverpool have a few options that can play in the attacking midfield positions, but they are arguably crying out for someone with a more creative spark. Dewsbury-Hall has now completed a move to Chelsea, and the Reds may end up rueing the fact that they didn’t manage to sign him.
Liverpool Considered Title Outsiders Under Slot
With Jürgen Klopp gone and Arne Slot at the helm, there will be huge changes afoot at Anfield in the new season. In the Premier League 2024/25 betting, the Reds are at odds of 8/15 to finish in the top four. That suggests that experts still believe they will be strong.
However, they are outsiders for the title, with Premier League winner odds of 13/2. Currently, analysts are expecting it to be a two-horse title race between Arsenal and Manchester City. Slot will be hoping to hit the ground running and make a mockery of those odds, but it may require some big decisions in terms of starting personnel.
Dewsbury-Hall  could have been a shrewd signing, and one that could add a new element to Liverpool’s attacking play. He will doubtlessly strengthen Chelsea, meaning that Liverpool will face fiercer competition for those coveted Champions League spots.
Slot’s Strategy Relies on a Playmaker
Klopp’s fast-paced attacking style relied heavily on wing play and didn’t always use a traditional playmaker in the number 10 position. Slot’s style has often been compared to Klopp’s, which is why the Dutchman was brought in as a replacement for the German.
However, during his time at Feyenoord, the new Liverpool head coach was known to use a 4-2-3-1 formation with an attacking midfielder behind the striker. Sebastian Szymański served this role well during his loan spell in 2022-23, providing a good example of how Slot’s tactics can play out.
In terms of players currently at Liverpool, Alexis Mac Allister could relish being deployed further forward under his new manager. However, it would have been a shrewd move to bring in Dewsbury-Hall to provide another solid option for Slot to choose from.
A Great Move for the Player
Dewsbury-Hall’s move to Chelsea is a dream switch for the player, who acted as one of the key components of the Foxes’ Championship title push last term. He’ll link up with Enzo Maresca again at Stamford Bridge, meaning that he could instantly slot into the starting lineup.
There’s no doubt that Chelsea need a new playmaker, with Mason Mount’s departure last summer leaving a gaping hole in attack. Dewsbury-Hall has the potential to make an immediate impact and cement himself as a key player for the Blues.
Dewsbury-Hall has the potential to go on to be one of the signings of the season at Chelsea, and he will doubtlessly boost the London club’s title hopes. Liverpool may have missed a trick in opting not to sign the player last summer.
