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Who Should Start in Midfield Against Everton?

The last Premier League fixture saw Liverpool’s first true selection dilemma of the season, which brought varied opinions from across the fanbase. It was not the Darwin, Cody, or Diogo, central striker conundrum, even though this still stands for many supporters. No, the first real dilemma was how to replace Curtis Jones, as he began his ridiculous three-match suspension, for the away trip to Brighton. The previous clutch of Premier League games had seen the former England under-21 star solidify himself into the first team elite, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai taking up the other two midfield spots. Despite not having a specialist defensive midfielder in the side, the energetic pressing of the two more offensive midfielders was allowing Mac Allister and his hybrid partner, Trent Alexander-Arnold, to control large amounts of possession. Once the loss of Liverpool’s number 17 was a reality, multiple players were moved around the board by our German manager, instead of simply replacing the one role. My pre-match hope was that Wataru Endō would be moved to the holding position, which would allow our Argentina playmaker to move to the left side; however, that was not to be the case.

What Actually Happened for the Brighton Game?

What was opted for instead was loyally drafting Harvey Elliott into the right-hand side, thereby moving Dominik Szoboszlai across to the other side of the pitch. The result saw Alexis lacking support, as Harvey struggled to replicate Curtis’s endeavour, with Andy Robertson seeming all at sea. The omission of Joe Gomez for the more forward-thinking Trent also left the right-hand side exposed, in a game that should have been better orchestrated by our German manager, Overthinking, and unnecessary alterations is something often linked to Pep Guardiola, yet that starting line-up was very much a misstep by the Anfield coaching team.

What Are the Options for the Reds’ Next Game Against Everton?

In terms of a 4-3-3 (that shifts into a box midfield in possession), I will list the three-man midfield options to be complemented by an advancing hybrid. These five options seem the only viable choices.

The Midfield Options:

Option 1 – The firm favourite.

RCM – Dominik Szoboszlai

CDM – Alexis Mac Allister

LCM – Ryan Gravenberch

Option 2 – Too soon for the Spaniard.

RCM – Dominik Szoboszlai

CDM – Alexis Mac Allister

LCM – Thiago Alcântara

Option 3 – Never again, please.

RCM – Harvey Elliott

CDM – Alexis Mac Allister

LCM – Dominik Szoboszlai

Option 4 – A game too late, unfortunately.

RCM – Dominik Szoboszlai

CDM – Wataru Endō

LCM – Alexis Mac Allister

Option 5 – The outside bet.

RCM – Dominik Szoboszlai

CDM – Stefan Bajčetić

LCM – Alexis Mac Allister

Option one appears the most likely scenario, especially given that Ryan Gravenberch has had the entire international break to prepare at the Axa Training Centre. The Dutchman’s decision to reject an under-21 call-up for the Netherlands (at the previous round of games), meant he was not called upon this time, as some form of peculiar punishment. The former Munich player’s tactical coaching and preparation were focused on ensuring he can offer what is required, both on and off the ball. The fact that Liverpool’s next game will be against an Everton side coached by Sean Dyche, means much of the ball will reside with the reds, which may favour a more attacking trio. The encounter at Anfield may just give the perfect opportunity to unleash option one from the start, in the hope that the Virgil led back line can snuff out any counterattacking play.

Option two seems a week or two too early, whereas option three should never be considered again. I would like to see option four utilised at some point in the future; however, this type of game (where domination of the ball is very likely) perhaps negates the need for the specialist and largely untested Japan skipper. Option five is maybe the most intriguing on the list, as it would give energy and more physicality, which is something that could also be built upon. I suspect option one will be the starting middle of choice, though I would not be against seeing the fifth version unleashed later.

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