Liverpool could reportedly look to sign Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez in the January transfer window as an alternative to Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi.
After Arne Slot's side failed to convince Zubimendi to leave Spain this past summer, some fans went into the 2024-25 season worried about the strength of their team's midfield, especially given players like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai looked exhausted towards the the end of last term.
However, the duo both scored against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday and helped lead Liverpool to a 6-3 win, Slot's 21st victory in 25 games.
The Reds might be top of both the Premier League and Champions League tables, but it could be wise for the Merseysiders to capitalise while in a position of strength by adding to their squad in January.
Anfield Watch report that club scouts have been impressed by the form of Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez, who is said to have a buyout clause of £50m.
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Gonzalez vs. Zubimendi
The 22-year-old Porto midfielder operates in a less restricted role compared to Zubimendi, who is at his best when dictating the tempo of a match from defensive midfield.
Gonzalez has already scored four times and registered two assists in the league this season, while Zubimendi has produced one goal and one assist in 1,444 La Liga minutes, nearly 200 more than his counterpart.
It should be noted that though Gonzalez's tally of 727 attempted league passes is nearly 50 fewer than the Real Sociedad player, his figure of 92.5% short pass completion is higher than Zubimendi's 87.8%.
It is difficult to compare players across divisions in European football, especially as they often play in different tactical setups, but it is important that any new arrival at Anfield is able to slow play down.
Slot has embraced elements of Jurgen Klopp's aggressive and vertical football style, but he has also shown a desire to control games, and Gonzalez's ability to complete a high volume of passes could make him a good fit for the Reds.
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Do Liverpool need Gonzalez?
Considering Liverpool are already four points clear at the top of the Premier League and have a game in hand on all of their title rivals, any addition in January must be a clear improvement on the first XI in order to justify an expensive outlay.
Should the Reds trigger Gonzalez's buyout clause, they could also unintentionally hinder the development of Ryan Gravenberch, who has operated as the team's deepest midfielder.
The Dutchman has actually attempted more passes and completed a higher percentage of his short passes than either Gonzalez or Zubimendi and has showcased an incredible ability to adapt to a relatively unfamiliar role.
Most had thought of Gravenberch as an advanced midfielder that could carry the ball forward at pace, but Slot has used the 22-year-old's press resistance in deeper areas in order to escape opposition presses.
Perhaps Liverpool would be better off signing a defender in the January window given the likes of Ibrahima Konate have so far been unable to prove their ability to stay fit throughout a season.
Lewis Nolan
