Liverpool have Wolves defensive midfielder Joao Gomes lined up as an alternative to Atalanta star Ederson during the summer window
Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes is a transfer alternative to Atalanta star Ederson for Liverpool amid plans to bolster defensive midfield. Liverpool are seeking an upgrade on their defensive midfield department despite the good season from last summer’s signing, Wataru Endo.
Ederson plays in an attacking-minded Atalanta side that won the Europa League after beating the undefeated German side Bayer Leverkusen. The Italian club drills its team to mark opponents man-to-man while pressuring them relentlessly to gain possession for counter-attacks.
The 24-year-old has good stamina and athleticism to cover distances on and off the ball that completely fits the tactics. The Brazilian stays on his feet defensively and makes good interceptions while timing his tackles and closing down opponents quickly.
However, Ederson’s opponents exploit his slow reaction when they beat him in a duel or dispossess him of the ball. The Brazilian’s slow reaction and inability to return to his position in time to maintain the structure pose a problem.
The Atalanta systems that mark each player of the possession help cover this weakness and play by his strength. If new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot implements most of the tactics he used at Feyenoord, Ederson will face challenges.
Meanwhile, Gomes is already playing in the physical nature of the Premier League and has adapted well to the environment. Playing as a defensive midfielder for the struggling Wolves side last season, most of his work came on defensive phases.
However, the 23-year-old displayed his defensive prowess, strength and athleticism to hold his own in duels against any opposition team. Offensively, Gomes has a lot to prove but the system played by Wolves restricted his chances.
As seen in the Squawka comparison matrix (via the picture displayed above), Gomes’ numbers are still close to Ederson. Ederson is playing in the better-attacking system with a more balanced team and has more European experience.
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Mirror reported that Gomes is an alternative Liverpool target to Ederson and the similarities between the two show why. Furthermore, the Wolves player has an age advantage over his fellow Brazilian playing for Atalanta. Liverpool needs a proper upgrade to the defensive midfield role as that area plays a key part in Slot’s style of play. While the two players are good, there are many options that the Reds could assess before making their final decision.
