Video Analysis: Three Midfielders Liverpool Could Sign This Summer | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Midfield Makeover: Three Potential Summer Targets

With Arne Slot crowned a Premier League champion in his debut season, Liverpool now face the perennial challenge of squad evolution. Panenka LFC’s recent podcast, 3 Midfielders Arne Slot Could Sign For Liverpool This Summer, takes a deep dive into three names that could elevate the Reds’ already formidable midfield.

Adam Wharton: Calm Controller with Vertical Ambition

The Panenka team were united in their praise of Crystal Palace’s standout, Adam Wharton. “Honestly, it’s no exaggeration to say he’s already one of the Premier League’s brightest young midfielders,” the host noted. At just 21, Wharton helped Palace lift the FA Cup and consistently showcased maturity beyond his years.

“His head moves like an owl,” one contributor remarked, describing his scanning ability. “Always turning, always checking his surroundings so he knows exactly what’s happening before the ball even gets to him.”

Wharton’s numbers back the hype. “According to Fbref, he ranks in the top 8% of midfielders across Europe for progressive passes and is just as impressive when it comes to shot creating actions.” But the hosts also flagged some issues. “His pass completion rate isn’t the highest… that’s mostly because he’s attempting the tougher passes most midfielders wouldn’t even try.”

Photo: IMAGO

There are defensive red flags too. “He can occasionally switch off when his team is under pressure,” the podcast noted. Yet, despite imperfections, the consensus was clear: Wharton could transform Liverpool’s midfield, if the club can afford the price tag.

Carlos Baleba: Raw Power and Smooth Feet

If Wharton brings control, Carlos Baleba delivers chaos. “The best way to describe him is a midfield wrecking ball with smooth feet,” the podcast declared. Already making waves at Brighton, Baleba is known for dismantling opposition structure. “He was outmuscling Erling Haaland, putting pressure on Kevin De Bruyne, and basically bullying City’s midfield.”

His ball-carrying prowess is elite. “On average, he moves the ball 5.2m per carry… that’s not just numbers, either. You can see it every time he plays.” Baleba’s 57.9% dribble success rate is second only to Enzo Fernández.

Photo: IMAGO

But with aggression comes risk. “He has a habit of overcommitting to tackles… at Liverpool, with our high line, one mistimed tackle could open the door for the opposition.” The podcast also raised questions about overlapping skillsets with Ryan Gravenberch: “Both players are quite similar… maybe Baleba wouldn’t bring the exact qualities we’re missing right now.”

Angelo Stiller: Cerebral Choice from Stuttgart

While perhaps less heralded than Wharton or Baleba, Angelo Stiller brought an intriguing contrast. “He’s a 24-year-old pivot currently playing for VFB Stuttgart… back home he’s often referred to as the next Toni Kroos,” the host stated.

Stiller’s strengths lie in subtlety. “He plays with a calmness, almost ice cold under pressure and always seems to find the right pass.” His Bundesliga maturity was underscored by this quote: “Former teammate Andreas Beck once said that Stiller has the ball glued to his feet and always found solutions.”

Photo: IMAGO

However, he is not without his shortcomings. “Stiller isn’t fast… if you’re expecting a high-energy midfield engine sprinting all over the pitch, that’s not him.” His left-footedness can also make him predictable under pressure, and he lacks the physicality of a destroyer like Baleba.

Yet, for a side that dominates possession, Stiller could be ideal. “He’s more of a cerebral controller… he still meets defensive needs, just in a smarter, more subtle way.”

Tactical Fit and Market Realities

The podcast concluded by highlighting the competitive market. “Reports say Stiller has a release clause in the range of 50 to 60 million,” while Baleba is valued by Brighton at over £100 million. Wharton’s long-term deal at Palace and their qualification for Europe could also make any move complicated.

So who fits best into Arne Slot’s plans? Each player presents a distinct profile, but all three could elevate Liverpool’s midfield options next season.

“Whether it’s Wharton’s calm control, Baleba’s explosive energy, or Stiller’s classy playmaking, all of them bring something special to the table,” the podcast summed up.