Liverpool have had a dry transfer window for the most part, though recent acquisitions of Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa indicate that they may end it on a relative high note in the final days.

One of the positions Liverpool have to reinforce is defensive midfield, particularly the so-called “Number 6” role. Sure, Alexis MacAllister has partnered up with Ryan Gravenberch in the opening games and, despite doubts over his compatibility with Arne Slot’s setup, the Japanese veteran Wataru Endō is not expected to be pushed out of the club, but the truth remains that Liverpool have not really replace Fabinho since his departure last summer.

They need a long-term fix. In this article we present to you our top three picks we believe they can and should make a move for before the window slams shut.

Now, one thing we need to keep in mind here is the kind of #6 Slot would want. With his time at Feyenoord, and given the pre-season and opening games at Liverpool, we know that he wants to move away from a transition-heavy approach and demands control of the game when in possession, wanting his midfielders to dictate the tempo. We know with his deployment of Mats Wieffer in the Eredivisie that he wants his #6 operators to be press-resistant and good at moving the ball in the first build-up phase while positionally supporting their pivot partner when he surges forward.

Going after Wieffer would have been the obvious choice, but he has since moved to Brighton and is therefore unavailable at least for this window, so here are three alternatives for the Reds to consider.

Éderson (Atalanta)

Éderson is already one of the players of this transfer market that has been attracting interest from all over Europe, including Liverpool. Having turned 25 just last month, the Brazilian midfielder is already an experienced operator at top level with almost 100 appearances for the Bergamaschi under his belt. He is someone who can play either role in a pivot: be it the one that requires him to remain deep, help in the first phase of the build-up, and provide cover for his partner as he moves forward, or the one that requires him to carry the ball up the pitch.

Valued by Transfermarkt at €40 million, Éderson has three years remaining on his €2.56m-per-year Atalanta contract.

Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham)

When looking for a long-term replacement, you could do a lot worse than going after a young, promising player that operates in the very league you do. That is exactly the case with Pape Matar Sarr, who is now in his fourth year at Spurs.

Things started out slowly for the Senegal international, but that was to be expected given he is still only 21, but over the last season he has become a preferred operator for Ange Postecoglou in the Spurs midfield. Having made 34 league appearances last season, he has featured in both of Tottenham’s opening games this season.

Sarr is valued by Transfermarkt at €45 million with six more years remaining in his contract.

Pablo Barrios (Atleti)

Pablo Barrios is one of those players who is still very raw but has all the ingredients to be a world-beater. You can’t be admired by Diego Simeone and be without grit and a willingness to be intense; thankfully, Barrios checks the box here.

Still only 21, Barrios has demonstrated his ability both in the defensive and attacking halves of the midfield, often even playing out wide, which is a Simeone speciality given his deployment of the defensively-sound Saúl Ñíguez and Marcos Llorente over the past seasons.

Having been used sporadically in the last two seasons, Barrios has featured in all three Atleti fixtures so far this season. He’s valued by Transfermarkt at €25 million, with four more years remaining in his contract.

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