Liverpool Shape Midfield Plans as James McConnell Edges Toward Return
Liverpool are entering another intriguing phase of squad management as reports suggest that James McConnell is set to rejoin the club in January. With Arne Slot leaning into a shape that relies on control, technical quality and numbers in central areas, the return of the young midfielder arrives at a potentially significant moment.
Shift in Liverpool’s Structure
Slot has embraced a 4-4-2 diamond this season, a structure used sporadically in European football but seldom seen at Anfield in recent years. It was far more evident against Inter than it was against Leeds United, yet the principles remain the same. Wingers have been sacrificed for dual forwards and a packed midfield where four central players dictate tempo and territory.
The approach offers versatility but removes margin for error. Liverpool currently have four trusted senior centre midfielders, with Florian Wirtz considered the fifth option when deployed centrally. That leaves Slot rotating the same core group every match, a risky proposition in a long campaign. One injury can throw the balance entirely and substitutions within this system require like-for-like changes that are often limited.
McConnell’s Situation at Ajax
The solution may arrive via McConnell’s early return from his loan spell at Ajax. As ESPN reported, “James McConnell is expected to return to Liverpool in January.” The midfielder joined the Dutch giants in the summer when Johnny Heitinga took charge, yet the move never gained real traction.
Heitinga rarely used McConnell, limiting his development and game rhythm. Following the coach’s dismissal, Ajax’s plans shifted again, leaving the Liverpool loanee without a clear pathway in Amsterdam. The club now intend to cut short the agreement and send him back to Merseyside.
Decision for Slot
Liverpool could still arrange another loan for McConnell, given the club’s preference for placing young players in environments where they can play consistently. However, the tactical reality at Anfield has changed since the summer. With Slot building a system dependent on multiple centre midfielders, internal depth carries far greater importance.
McConnell spent a meaningful portion of last season training with the first team and featured in several matchday squads. Slot is understood to appreciate his discipline in possession and tactical maturity, qualities that suit a diamond structure reliant on reliable support players.
Opportunity for Breakthrough
The timing may now be ideal for the academy graduate to make a more extended impression. Liverpool have already transitioned successfully under Slot and won the Premier League title in 2024-25, yet the evolution of the team continues. A returning midfielder who understands the environment and offers energy and intelligence in tight spaces could become a valuable internal reinforcement.
With the demands of the diamond shape growing and Liverpool competing on multiple fronts, McConnell’s return could present the opening he needs to stake a claim in the senior squad. The club will weigh their options carefully, but this moment feels different. Circumstances at Ajax have pushed the situation forward, while circumstances at Liverpool may well pull him in.
