Explore how Liverpool’s new-look midfield is evolving for the 2024/25 Premier League season. Discover key signings, tactical shifts, and future plans.
How Liverpool’s Midfield Rebuild Is Transforming Their Premier League Future
For years, Liverpool’s midfield was built on grit, pressing, and relentless energy—epitomized by the likes of Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Fabinho, and Gini Wijnaldum. While effective during the club’s title-winning 2019/20 Premier League campaign, cracks began to emerge as these key players aged and struggled to keep up with the evolving pace of the Changi77 league.
Fast forward to the 2024/25 season, and Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool is almost unrecognizable in midfield—but in a good way. A bold rebuild is underway, focusing on technical skill, versatility, and athleticism, aimed at restoring dominance in the league and Europe.
This article breaks down how Liverpool’s midfield rebuild is taking shape, the players driving the transformation, and how it’s impacting the club’s tactical identity.
⚒️ Why Liverpool’s Midfield Needed Rebuilding
Aging Core and Declining Intensity
The traditional trio of Henderson, Fabinho, and Thiago Alcântara struggled to maintain the intensity required for Klopp’s high-pressing system. Injuries, declining form, and lack of ball progression exposed vulnerabilities.
Tactical Stagnation
Opponents in the league began to exploit Liverpool’s midfield, bypassing the press and dominating central zones. A tactical refresh was overdue.
Competing with Modern Midfield Units
With clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal evolving their midfield dynamics with versatile profiles, Liverpool needed to match and adapt to remain competitive in the league.
🔄 Key Departures
The summer of 2023 marked a turning point. Several high-profile midfielders left Anfield:
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Jordan Henderson → Al-Ettifaq (Saudi Arabia)
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Fabinho → Al-Ittihad
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James Milner → Brighton
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Naby Keïta → Werder Bremen
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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain → Free agent → Beşiktaş
These exits signaled a full reset of the engine room—and the start of a bold new project.
🧩 New Signings and Tactical Fit
⚽ 1. Dominik Szoboszlai
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From: RB Leipzig
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Role: Advanced playmaker / Box-to-box
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Strengths: Ball progression, press resistance, creativity
The Hungarian international brought much-needed dynamism and flair. With elite stamina and intelligence, Szoboszlai has become a key figure in Liverpool’s midfield press and attacking transitions.
⚽ 2. Alexis Mac Allister
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From: Brighton & Hove Albion
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Role: Deep-lying playmaker / No. 8
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Strengths: Vision, composure, tactical intelligence
Mac Allister provides calmness under pressure and vertical passing—traits Liverpool’s midfield had lacked in recent seasons. He allows the team to recycle possession and control tempo—crucial in tight league matches.
⚽ 3. Ryan Gravenberch
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From: Bayern Munich
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Role: Rotational midfielder / Advanced 8
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Strengths: Physical presence, dribbling, progressive carries
Gravenberch has provided depth and a unique blend of size and skill. While still developing, he’s shown flashes of his Ajax potential in a number of cup and league appearances.
⚽ 4. Wataru Endō
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From: VfB Stuttgart
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Role: Defensive midfielder
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Strengths: Interceptions, tactical discipline, leadership
Seen as an experienced stopgap after missing out on Moisés Caicedo, Endō has added balance to the midfield. His leadership and reading of the game offer vital support, especially in controlling counterattacks.
🔥 Tactical Evolution of Liverpool’s Midfield
🔄 From “Functional” to “Fluid”
Previous Liverpool midfields were functional—built to support pressing and cover spaces. Today’s version is fluid, capable of controlling games through possession and transitioning rapidly when needed.
🧠 Midfield Shape in Possession (2024/25)
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Formation: 3-2-5 or 4-3-3
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Inverted fullbacks (e.g., Trent Alexander-Arnold steps into midfield)
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Mac Allister as a single pivot
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Szoboszlai operates between lines
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Diaz/Gakpo/Gravenberch rotate into advanced positions
🔄 Defensive Transitions
The midfield is now better equipped to win the ball high or slow down transitions. Endō sits deep, allowing full-backs to press forward, while Szoboszlai tracks back with intensity.
💡 The Alexander-Arnold Hybrid Role
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s hybrid position as an inverted full-back/midfielder is central to the rebuild. He often moves inside next to Mac Allister, forming a double pivot during build-up play.
This allows Liverpool to:
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Create overloads in midfield
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Dictate tempo centrally
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Shield the center backs during transitions
This innovation is keeping Liverpool tactically competitive in the ever-evolving league.
📈 Performance Stats (Premier League 2024/25 So Far)
| Category | Stat | League Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Goals from midfielders | 9 | 2nd |
| Pressures in midfield zone | 380 per 90 | 1st |
| Successful tackles | 81% | Top 3 |
| Progressive passes | +20% vs 2022 | Top 4 |
The data reflects a sharper, smarter, and more athletic Liverpool midfield—built not just for pressing, but for ball progression and control.
🎯 Challenges Ahead
While the rebuild shows promise, there are still obstacles to overcome:
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Lack of a long-term No. 6: Endō is solid, but not a long-term solution. Rumors link Liverpool to João Neves and Manu Koné.
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Depth management: Injuries remain a concern, especially with Curtis Jones and Thiago often sidelined.
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Big-game performance: The midfield must consistently deliver in crunch matches to challenge for the league title.
🔮 The Future of Liverpool’s Midfield
With Klopp set to depart at the end of the 2025 season, the current rebuild isn’t just about short-term success—it’s about laying a foundation for the next era of Liverpool football.
Young players like Stefan Bajčetić and Harvey Elliott also offer continuity, ensuring that the midfield will remain competitive and dynamic regardless of who takes over.
🗣️ Klopp on the Midfield Project
“We wanted more control, more creativity, and more flexibility. That’s what this new midfield gives us. We’re not just running—we’re thinking.”
– Jürgen Klopp
📣 Support the League’s Midfield Masterclasses
Liverpool’s transformation is proof that no team can remain static in the modern league. Tactical evolution, smart recruitment, and the courage to rebuild are what keep clubs at the top.
As fans, it’s time to celebrate not just the goals or flashy moments—but the midfielders who win back possession, control rhythm, and make the difference week in, week out.
Support your club. Support intelligent recruitment. Support the league.
