Jurgen Klopp’s appearance at the Champions League final as a guest of Borussia Dortmund last weekend served as a poignant reminder that his era at Liverpool has indeed come to an end. The Reds will no longer benefit from the German’s charismatic presence in the dugout.
It is widely believed that Arne Slot, the new manager, will take some time to settle into his role and assess the squad before consulting with Michael Edwards, the CEO of Football for FSG, and Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s sporting director, to identify and pursue exciting new signings.
While Liverpool’s primary targets are a central defender and a wide forward, there are other areas of the team that require attention. Despite significant changes last summer, the midfield still needs reinforcement.
Wataru Endo, a surprise signing from Stuttgart, was deployed as a holding midfielder following his arrival. He was targeted after Liverpool missed out on Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo, but the 31-year-old is a solid, if unspectacular, player, and a long-term solution is still needed.
As a result, Edwards and his team are poised to seize any opportunity that arises, and they may have already identified the perfect player to pursue.
Liverpool Lead the Race for Top Talent
Liverpool are reportedly leading the race to sign Benfica’s young talent, Joao Neves, according to O Jogo via the Liverpool Echo. The Reds are facing competition from fellow Premier League clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, as well as European giants Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. However, the 19-year-old reportedly favours a move to England. Benfica value Neves highly and will likely demand a significant transfer fee, with his release clause set at £102m.
Joao Neves’ Style of Play
The tendency to overhype young players who have barely started their senior careers can be risky, but Neves’ talent is hard to overlook. He has all the qualities of a future world-class star.
Neves has just completed a remarkable breakout year at Estadio da Luz, showcasing his technical skills, ability to handle pressure, and composed playing style. He has earned a key role in Roger Schmidt’s squad, playing every minute in the Champions League group phase and six Europa League knockout phase matches.
Neves’ performances in the top-flight campaign were breathtaking, demonstrating his energy and enthusiasm across 33 appearances. He scored three goals and provided one assist, showcasing his potential.
According to analyst Ben Mattinson, Neves’ playing style is “genuinely so complete” that he is destined to “become one of the best CMs” – such is his potential.
Liverpool would need to spend big to sign the young Portuguese player, but if the Fenway Sports Group (FSG) wants to demonstrate to fans that the club’s ambition remains unchanged after Klopp’s departure, signing Neves would be a strong statement of intent, outdoing their competitors for his signature.
How Neves Could Fit in at Liverpool
Liverpool’s squad will be evaluated to identify any weaknesses, and while Wataru Endo is expected to remain part of the team, it’s unlikely that he will be the primary midfield anchor in the new era.
This assessment is not meant to criticise Endo’s skills, which have proven to be industrious and capable alongside players like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, who were also signed last summer. Rather, it highlights the need for a player with the potential to become one of the world’s best.
Ruben Neves is that player. Despite being a teenager, he has already demonstrated qualities that rival those of top Premier League players like Rodri and Declan Rice, earning him the nickname “the little warrior from Seixal” from talent scout Jacek Kulig.
| Joao Neves vs Wataru Endo: 23/24 Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics | Joao Neves | Wataru Endo |
| Matches played | 33 | 29 |
| Matches started | 27 | 20 |
| Touches per game | 76.5 | 54.4 |
| Pass completion | 90% | 88% |
| Key passes per game | 0.8 | 0.6 |
| Dribbles per game | 1.2 | 0.3 |
| Recoveries per game | 6.4 | 3.7 |
| Tackles per game | 2.0 | 1.7 |
| Interceptions per game | 1.0 | 0.7 |
| Clearances per game | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Duels won per game | 6.0 | 3.9 |
| All stats via Sofascore | ||
It is evident that Neves would be an upgrade to Endo, surpassing him in almost every aspect when comparing their league statistics.
Szoboszlai, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in a £60m deal last summer, has had a mixed experience on Merseyside. While he has impressed with his striking power and skills, he has struggled with injuries, errors, and inconsistency, particularly in the latter part of the season.
Under Klopp’s leadership, Szoboszlai started only one of Liverpool’s final six matches, highlighting the need for him to win over his new coach quickly. However, the absence of a high-level defensive midfielder makes this a challenging task.
The addition of Neves to Liverpool’s midfield could bring out the best in Szoboszlai. According to FBref, Szoboszlai ranks among the top midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues in goals, shot-creating actions, progressive passes, and progressive carries per 90, showcasing his natural talent.
Szoboszlai’s strengths are undeniable, but his weaknesses in tackling and interceptions are a concern. Without a dominant presence like Neves, his best football is nullified.
Klopp’s decision to play Szoboszlai in a more central role, differing from his attacking position in Germany, has not fully utilised his skills.
However, with Slot’s preference for playing with a No. 10, Szoboszlai may find himself restored to his best position, potentially even improving under the Anfield lights. Nevertheless, Neves’ presence would still be crucial to prevent Szoboszlai’s isolation in offensive positions.
While Liverpool’s need for a defender and Slot’s desire for a winger are pressing, the signing of a versatile and effective defensive midfielder could be the most important move for the team’s success this summer.
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