Arne Slot may have his new midfield option for 25/26 as Liverpool prepare to make January decision - opinion
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Arne Slot has placed greater emphasis on Liverpool’s midfield in recent weeks after implementing a change in formation.The Reds now tend to play with four midfielders, often including Florian Wirtz, as they look to give themselves a more solid platform to build on.While that has been working out well for Slot so far, Dominik Szoboszlai’s suspension against Wolves highlighted that Liverpool do not have enough quality options to cover for absences.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Liverpool can only sign ONE player this January, which position should they strengthen?
Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say The season still has long to go, and if one of Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister or Curtis Jones goes down with an injury, the Reds really do not have anyone to come in and cover.It has been exciting to see young Trey Nyoni given some late opportunities in the past two matches, but his inclusion has only served to shine further light on the lack of depth Liverpool currently have. Thankfully, with the January transfer window approaching, Slot is reportedly set to see his options swell by one.James McConnell likely to be recalled from AjaxAlthough Nyoni is one of the most exciting young players currently at Liverpool, he is arguably not Slot’s favourite midfield prospect on the Reds’ books.That player is James McConnell, who was praised considerably by the Liverpool head coach after some cameo appearances last season.Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Liverpool have one priority in January but it isn’t Marc Guehi or Antoine SemenyoMcConnell has since gone on-loan to Ajax, where he has struggled to break into an underwhelming team.The 21-year-old has played only seven times for the Amsterdam giants, and according to The Daily Mail, Liverpool are now likely to recall McConnell in January.Although there is said to be interest from a host of Championship sides – including from Vitor Matos’ Swansea – it is also claimed that Slot could opt to then use McConnell in the FA Cup tie against Barnsley on January 12th.
Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say If he does, the youngster will be forced to stay at Liverpool for the remainder of the campaign as rules prevent any player from featuring for three different clubs in one season.Liverpool have to keep James McConnell aroundGiven the stark lack of depth in central midfield, it would feel like a no-brainer for Liverpool to keep McConnell around for the second half of the campaign.Supporters would no doubt prefer to see a new signing brought in, but there appears to be precious little chance of that happening, especially in midfield.Slot is clearly a big fan of McConnell’s, though, and although he has not settled at Ajax, he has always shown plenty while playing for Liverpool.If he does stay, Slot must use McConnell, however, or risk slowing down his development even further.The former Sunderland prospect will be 22 in September and a final decision on his Liverpool future will need to be made sooner rather than later. Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox