Liverpool could hand Arne Slot an excellent welcome gift by landing Fulham star Joao Palhinha
Dougie Critchley endorsed Fulham defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha to become the anchor man under Arne Slot at Liverpool next season. The Sky Sports pundit has made a compelling case considering that Liverpool needs an anchor man despite Wataru Endo’s inspiring season.
Jurgen Klopp deployed Alexis Mac Allister as a number-six when Endo required time to adapt to the Premier League. The Japan captain has delivered sensation performances but there is a concern at times against certain teams where he struggled.
Liverpool have Stefan Bajcetic who has recently returned from injury and Trent Alexander-Arnold gradually shifting into the midfield role. However, they need a solid number-six who specialises more in dominating the deep midfield than just playmaking. Someone who would be an upgrade over Wataru and capable of playing in the double-pivot role that Slot prefers.
Speaking on the Saturday Social (h/t GIVEMESPORT), Critchley endorsed Palhinha for the defensive midfield role at Liverpool. He said:
“He also just slots straight in. There’s no adaptation time. There’s no Endo taking three or four months to get used to it. There’s no Mac Allister playing out of position. He’s one of the outstanding defensive midfielders in the league. I don’t think there’s going to be as much competition for him this year. I think he’s an absolute surefire fit.”
Palhinha as a “surefire fit” for Arne Slot at Liverpool
Standing at 1.90 metres, Palhinha is an imposing figure in Fulham’s midfield and very capable of handling any opponent. The 28-year-old dominates in both the aerial and ground duels, capable of subduing attacks with well-timed tackles and interceptions.
The Portuguese compensate for his lack of pace with smart positioning and well-timed movements, anticipating the game on and off the ball. According to stat-based site fbref.com, Palhinha has made the most tackles and interceptions (183) in the Big Five European League this season.
The stat demonstrates what every expert and scout has observed: Palhinha dominates the spaces between Fulham’s midfield and defence. The Portugal international has registered only 82.6% passing accuracy (h/t Squawka stats via image posted) for Fulham this season. The London club play direct football and registers low in the possessional play which is the important factor here.
Nevertheless, the 28-year-old registered 56.12% of long pass accuracy which is more than Arsenal’s signing of the season, Declan Rice. Many top European clubs highly covet the Portuguese international due to his limited defensive quality in the number six role. The 28-year-old has also lost the least amount of possession compared to Manchester City’s Rodri and Rice, showcasing his ability to shield the ball in tight spaces.
Current options for Slot at Liverpool irrespective of Palhinha or any potential transfer option
Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara would leave the club as a free agent during the summer after his perennial injury struggles. The situation leaves the club with limited options for the number six roles which include Mac Allister, Bajcetic and Endo. Trent has gradually transitioned into a more midfield role this season but a lot is depending on a right-back signing for that to happen.
The injury crisis forced Klopp to put Joe Gomez in the defensive midfield to carry out the make-shift duties. Liverpool cannot afford to let that situation happen once again once Slot takes over from the legendary German manager.
Slot has preferred a 4-2-3-1 formation at Feyenoord where he deploys a double-pivot midfielders who are essential to his style. The Reds also possess Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai but the trio prefer a more advanced role.
Slot would require a solid number-six to complement the midfielders if he persists in finding an upgrade to the 31-year-old Endo. The midfielder would need to be in Palhinha’s mould, combative and dominant while also good on the ball to carry out possessional duties.
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Liverpool have a very intriguing summer transfer window awaiting them with many speculative variables at play. Nevertheless, the Reds need to sort out their defensive fragility by freshening up their defence and the deep midfield position.
