Move Over Zubimendi: Liverpool Could Land Their Own Rodri in “Extraordinary” Midfield Maestro
Since Arne Slot took charge earlier this summer, Liverpool have been diligently working to strengthen their midfield, though they have yet to achieve their goals.
In the Premier League opener against Ipswich Town last weekend, Ryan Gravenberch was positioned in central midfield, playing a more defensive role than he typically does.
The Dutchman filled the number six position, playing just ahead of the defense, which allowed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to push forward in box-to-box roles.
While Gravenberch delivered a strong performance in the 2-0 win—securing six duels—Liverpool still needs more depth in midfield if they aim to seriously contend for the title in Slot’s first season.
However, their efforts have proven more challenging than anticipated, particularly after falling short on a key target despite agreeing to meet his release clause.
Liverpool were among several clubs, including Arsenal, interested in acquiring Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer.
Zubimendi, 25, had an impressive Euro 2024, where he notably replaced Manchester City’s Rodri during the final against England. Coming on at halftime, he played a pivotal role in helping his team secure their fourth tournament victory.
Despite Liverpool entering negotiations and being ready to trigger Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause, the player decided to remain with his LaLiga team, turning down the opportunity to move to Anfield.
It’s incredibly disappointing, as the midfielder clearly has the potential to be a major success in the Premier League. However, Slot and his recruitment team will need to explore other options for transfer targets.
They might consider reigniting interest in a player previously associated with the Reds, who could potentially become their equivalent of one of the top defensive midfielders globally.
How Rabiot Could Be Liverpool’s Own Rodri
Manchester City’s star midfielder Rodri has firmly established himself as one of the world’s top midfielders in recent years, securing every major club-level honor under Pep Guardiola’s management.
Following another Premier League triumph last season and winning the Euro 2024 title along with the Player of the Tournament award, Rodri is a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or. This potential accolade would further highlight his remarkable contributions to City’s success.
In a similar vein, Liverpool might acquire their own version of this midfield maestro in Adrien Rabiot, who is currently available on a free transfer after departing Juventus at the end of the last season. According to L’Equipe, Liverpool are among the clubs showing interest in the Frenchman.
Rabiot, who represented France at Euro 2024, has previously been on Liverpool’s radar and is still seeking a new club despite his standout performances during the summer.
FBref’s analysis has drawn comparisons between the 29-year-old and Rodri, a comparison that holds merit when examining their respective statistics from the European Championships.
| How Rabiot & Rodri compare at Euro 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics (per 90) | Rabiot | Rodri |
| Games played | 5 | 6 |
| Pass accuracy | 92% | 93% |
| Successful take-ons | 1.2 | 0.4 |
| Progressive passes | 6.8 | 6.9 |
| Interceptions | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Tackles won | 2.2 | 2.4 |
| Stats Source: FBref | ||
Former Juventus striker David Trezeguet referred to him as an “extraordinary” ace, underscoring that he either matched or outperformed the Spaniard in several critical aspects, showcasing how valuable he could be for the Reds.
Rabiot was outstanding in possession, boasting a 92% pass completion rate and averaging 6.8 progressive passes per 90 minutes—both figures just shy of the City star’s numbers.
He maintained his reputation for excelling with the ball at his feet, consistently completing more successful take-ons and showing his ability to advance play for Slot’s team.
Although Rodri made slightly more tackles than the Frenchman, Rabiot has proven his skill in regaining possession, averaging the same number of interceptions per 90 minutes—a quality that could significantly enhance the Reds’ midfield.
As a free agent, Rabiot could be a valuable addition for Liverpool and Slot, with his experience and quality offering a potential boost to the club’s ambitions of returning to the title race this season.
In other Liverpool news, Champions League 2024/25: Liverpool’s Pot, Potential Opponents and How the Draw Works
