Liverpool Season Preview: Central Midfield

The most glorious time of the year is almost upon us: The start of the Premier League season. I am publishing a series previewing the Liverpool squad by taking a look at the goalkeepers, the defense, the central midfield, the attacking midfield and the strikers.

The central midfield is a vital part of any club’s lineup but especially so in Jurgen Klopp’s preferred 4–2–3–1. The two holding midfielders have the dual responsibilities of shielding the back four as well as starting attacks from the back. The two players in the double pivot must be strong enough to repel attacks from strikers and attacking midfielders and yet comfortable enough on the ball to hold possession. Luckily, Liverpool have several players capable of filling this role.

Club captain Jordan Henderson is an Anfield favorite. After taking possession of the armband last season from Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, the 26-year old had his season hampered by several injuries. He tried to fight through a foot injury but his effectiveness on the pitch was severely lessened. When healthy, Henderson is a fine midfielder, able to defend as well as go forward effectively in the attack. He was limited to only 17 Premier League games last season and Liverpool supporters are hoping that he’ll be able to bounce back this year to reclaim his spot in the starting XI.

Emre Can is one of Liverpool’s most exciting players. The 6'0" midfielder is overflowing with natural talent, already staking out a spot on the German national at the tender age of 22. He plays hard-nosed defense, often diving into bone-crunching tackles and making key interceptions. Can also loves to dribble the ball as deep into the attacking third as he can (no pun intended). His versatility and his youth make him a player that Liverpool supporters are excited to watch for a long time. He’s firmly grasped a spot in the starting XI and it doesn’t look like he’ll be giving it up any time soon.

Liverpool have several options on the bench that can slot into the central midfield other than Henderson or Can. Veteran James Milner, who can play virtually anywhere on the pitch, slots in very nicely in the central midfield when called upon to do so. New boy Georginio Wjinaldum, while usually preferring an attacking role further up the pitch, has the flexibility to slot in in central midfield. However, the most exciting player that could step into a central midfielder role is new signing Marko Grujic. The young Serbian has had a good showing so far this preseason, showing a natural poise on the ball, scoring three times. At 6'3", 180 lbs, the 20-year old has plenty of size to be a rock in the midfield. It will be interesting to see whether or not he stakes out a regular place in the team.

Central midfield is one of the areas that Liverpool can feel they are well stocked. Barring a calamitous rash of injuries, the Reds have enough quality players to be able to rotate in and out as the manager sees fit. There’s solidity and experience in players such as Henderson and Milner as well as youth and verve in lads such as Grujic and Can. Liverpool will be hoping to see all of these qualities as they move forward into the season.