Although the relentless intensity has subsided like a shadow in the sun, Liverpool’s situation is everything but favorable as the season’s final stretch draws near.
Real Madrid strolled into Anfield and defeated them 5-2 after trailing by two in the early going, illuminating the sheer gravity of the club’s defensive missteps and the burning importance for reinforcements this summer. Liverpool, mired in mediocrity and languishing in seventh place after 23 games, is nine points behind Tottenham Hotspur in fourth place, despite having two games in hand.
The midfield region is the most significant area of worry this season, but something needs to change after allowing at least three goals on eight separate times since the season started.
Klopp might be tempted to change things up and focus on the academy ranks to give his withered crop a new dimension and steer toward success once more, and 21-year-old Oludare Olufunwa could find an unlikely spot among the seniors as the unthinkable possibility of missing out on the top-four grows ever more likely.
Should Klopp really ditch Matip for Olufunwa?
Even though the circumstances were different, a series of unusual central defense partnerships came together when Liverpool broke down due to injuries in the 2020–21 season to guarantee a late push for Champions League qualifying was successful.
Particularly, Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams were essential in guaranteeing the Reds’ participation in Europe’s top competition, and Klopp геvеаleɗ they were among the first people he messaged to express gratitude after the Reds proceeded to the Champions League final the following season.
Should Olufunwu be given a shot at Liverpool?
And given that players like Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have also come under fire for a number of underwhelming performances this season, history may possibly repeat itself if someone of Olufunwa’s caliber is trusted.
The U21 star has made four appearances since joining the Merseyside club on a free transfer after being released from Southampton’s development squad last summer. Although he has not yet accrued regular playing time at Kirkby, Klopp and company may find success by integrating him into the senior squad and encouraging him to make a start at some point.
Dave Horseman, the head coach of Saints B, described him as “athletic” and that he had “excellent leadership ability.” Liverpool could undoubtedly use his broad and versatile skill set.
The £100k-per-week earner, renowned as he is inside the fold at Anfield, may have to make way for the younger alternative after Matip was described as “terrible” by CBS reporter Nico Cantor following one of his increasingly subpar performances in the last few weeks.
Liverpool must fight to achieve what was once seen to be the absolute minimum at the beginning of the year but is now a very difficult challenge.
Injecting some vitality and vibrancy could be the key to salvaging a scrap of positive, and Olufunwa must now be freed, even though the current circumstances do not favor Liverpool’s chances.
The bright future is on the way, Liverpool found ‘next Gini Wijnaldum’ with transfer fee of $66m
The Portuguese international, who joined Wolves in August, has received significant attention from Liverpool, who are rumored to be looking to replace a number of veteran stars this summer.
Eyes will undoubtedly be attracted to Matheus Nunes as Liverpool prepares to play Wolves at Anfield in midweek; he may be in line for another trial with Jürgen Klopp.
With a trio of midfield talents, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita, all expected to leave as free agents in the summer, Nunes, who joined Wolves from Sporting Lisbon in August of last year, has been widely connected with a move to Liverpool.
This will be the last chance for the majority of Liverpool fans to see the Portuguese international in person before the summer, despite the fаct that it feels like Klopp’s team plays Wolves every other week at the moment after the Reds were defeated at Molineux earlier this month after two meetings in the FA Cup only weeks earlier.
Nunes was frequently mentioned as a target for Liverpool in the months before to his move to Wolves in August, and it is probable that his name will be taken into consideration as Klopp attempts to reenergize his team in preparation for the upcoming season. Jude Bellingham certainly seems to be the club’s top midfield target heading into the upcoming transfer window. Yet, it is obvious that Liverpool needs a number of players in this part of the field, and Nunes might feel that his chance is about to come knocking at Anfield this week.
Under Klopp, it has become customary to sign players like Takumi Minamino, Sadio Mané, and Gini Wijnaldum who have excelled against Liverpool in the past. As a result, while extensive scouting will definitely be the main method used by the staff to find the best players to pursue this summer, Nunes’ standing will not be harmed by a strong showing against the Reds.
According to The Telegraph, one of the reasons Liverpool has been monitoring the midfielder’s development in preparation for a potential $66 million (£55 million/€62 million) transfer is due to his obvious talent at carrying the ball and ability to outmuscle a defender from midfield. According to FBREF, the 17-time international has consistently ranked among Europe’s top midfielders over the course of the past year in terms of several important measures.
In terms of progressive carries, Nunes ranks in the 86th percentile among midfielders in the top five leagues in Europe. Throughout the past 365 days, he has posted the same number of successful take-ons. The midfielder is also in the 94th percentile for progressive passes received, showing that he is not hesitant to get on the ball and move his side forward during transitions.
Basically, Nunes would be a solid asset in this aspect if you’re looking for a player who can give your squad consistent offҽnsive momentum. These qualities seem to personify the kind of ferocity and passion that Liverpool now seems to be lacking in the midfield.
As Liverpool’s aging midfield has battled to recapture its youthful vitality, Jürgen Klopp’s “heavy metal football” has felt like a thing of the past recently. But, Nunes appears to be the type of player who may bring some of that industry back.
During a trial at Anfield, Matheus Nunes will have the opportunity to show Liverpool what they are lacking. (Image: WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images)
Although the 23-year-technical old’s skill is undoubtedly not diminished, it is a simple reality that Liverpool’s offҽnsive full-backs are more effective the harder a Klopp midfield works, giving the forward players аmmunition.
After Julen Lopetegui’s appointment, Nunes has played a variety of roles for Wolves this season, operating primarily on the left side rather than in the center of the field, as David Comerford noted in an earlier Liverpool.com article.
Given that the aforementioned Wijnaldum served in a similar capacity for Newcastle before switching to a central midfield position at Anfield, Jürgen Klopp will likely be pleased by the player’s versatility as it indicates his clear tactical awareness.
This week at Anfield, chance will come knocking for the highly regarded Portuguese player. He may convince Liverpool to take him to Merseyside on Wednesday night by demonstrating what they are lacking right now.