Liverpool icon Steve McManaman casts doubt over three midfield targets
The current lot of midfielders at Liverpool are ageing. The likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara are all over the age of 31. Two midfielders in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita will be out of contract next summer.
Younger options in Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Fabio Carvalho are not certain starters. Youri Tielemans, Douglas Luiz and Moises Caicedo are among the midfielders on Liverpool’s radar. Former Red Steve McManaman though is unsure of their abilities to “get in the starting line-up of one of the world’s best teams”. (h/t The Mirror)
Tielemans, 25 and Luis, 24 will run out of their contracts in 2023 and will be available for suitable buyers for free. In an advisory to Liverpool, McManaman cautioned them against signing these players. The winger, who played for the Reds between 1990-1999 believes that these players are “not on the level yet” to start for Liverpool week in and week out.
“I don’t want to be disparaging towards either of these two players because they’re good Premier League players. Are they good enough to get in the starting line-up of one of the world’s best teams? I just don’t think so at the moment.”
One of the younger options on Liverpool’s list of targeted midfielders is Moises Caicedo of Brighton and Hove Albion. At 20 years of age, the Ecuadorian has established himself as a very integral cog to the Sussex club’s line-up in a very short while.
Moreover, Graham Potter moving from the Amex to Chelsea could also mean that his trusted midfielder follows suit. Although he has impressed in his short stint, Caicedo’s Premier League career is only 14 games old. Everything said about his talent and skill, it will be a gamble spending huge money on a youngster.
McManaman said about Caicedo that he would certainly be on the Reds’ radar, but would not be the first choice player for Jurgen Klopp.
“If they’re in the hunt for more midfielders, then I believe Caicedo will be on their list, but certainly not at the top of it.”
Apart from the mentioned names, Liverpool have been heavily linked with Jude Bellingham in the recent past. But with the Englishman now valued at £131m, the Reds would certainly look at alternatives.
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Tielemans and Luiz are proven Premier League players. If the Reds take McManaman’s comments seriously and try to wage their way around signing these players, Liverpool could very well end up losing out on two excellent options.
