Owen Hargreaves on Liverpool’s Missed Signing and Champions League Hopes

Liverpool’s campaign for Champions League glory under new manager Arne Slot is already stirring excitement. With key players like Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold at their disposal, many are expecting a strong run in Europe this season. Yet, former England international and TNT Sports pundit Owen Hargreaves has pinpointed a crucial gap in Liverpool’s squad that could make the difference between competing and conquering.

Liverpool’s Champions League Ambitions

With Arne Slot at the helm, Liverpool are preparing for their Champions League opener against AC Milan. The last time these two teams met, Liverpool emerged victorious in both encounters during the 2021-22 group stages. But things are different now. Jurgen Klopp, the mastermind behind many of Liverpool’s recent successes, is no longer at Anfield, and the team is still adapting to life under Slot.

Despite the significant changes, Hargreaves is bullish about their chances. “Liverpool are for real,” he said. “Let’s be honest, anybody not putting them in the mix is lazy. They have Alisson and Virgil van Dijk, two of the best in the business.”

Liverpool’s front line, packed with talent like Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, and Federico Chiesa, is enough to strike fear into any opponent. Hargreaves was full of praise for the attacking options, adding: “It’s almost a perfect back five, and then there’s Alexis Mac Allister. Wow.”

The Midfield Puzzle

Yet, despite Liverpool’s wealth of attacking and defensive quality, Hargreaves believes that they’re missing a key piece of the puzzle: a defensive midfielder. Liverpool’s pursuit of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi in the summer transfer window ultimately fell short, leaving a void in the middle of the pitch.

Speaking before Liverpool’s recent 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, Hargreaves commented: “Ryan Gravenberch has been exceptional, but I still think they need one defensive midfielder. Maybe a Joao Palhinha-type midfielder who can get them through those one-off games.”

The importance of having a dedicated No.6, particularly for high-stakes Champions League matches, cannot be overstated. While Liverpool’s style of play allows them to dominate lesser teams, European giants like Real Madrid or Manchester City present a different challenge. In such matches, reclaiming possession and breaking up play in the middle of the park becomes essential. A player like Zubimendi or Palhinha could have been pivotal in these scenarios.

Missed Opportunity: Zubimendi’s Decision

Hargreaves’ assessment rings true, especially considering Liverpool’s failed attempt to bring Zubimendi to Anfield. The Spaniard ultimately chose to stay with Real Sociedad, despite talks with Slot. In an interview with MARCA, Zubimendi expressed his deep connection to his current club: “My friends are clear that whatever I decide will be the best. There is no pressure whatsoever. Real Sociedad for me is my life. I think I have spent half my life there. A lot of what I am is part of La Real; it is my life.”

For Liverpool, this was a missed opportunity. A player of Zubimendi’s calibre, with the ability to shield the back four and dictate play, could have elevated their Champions League prospects. His refusal to leave Spain leaves Liverpool searching for alternatives.

Champions League Prospects

As Liverpool gear up for their Champions League campaign, the squad’s strength in depth is evident. With a mix of experienced leaders and exciting young talent, they have the tools to navigate the group stages. However, Hargreaves’ concerns over the midfield could be the difference in the latter stages of the competition.

When facing Europe’s elite, the fine margins matter. A dominant defensive midfielder who can win back possession and maintain control in the high-pressure moments may just be the missing piece in Liverpool’s Champions League puzzle. Whether Ryan Gravenberch can continue his fine form or someone else steps up remains to be seen, but Hargreaves has certainly highlighted a concern that could shape Liverpool’s season.