Liverpool has been linked with a move for Atalanta ace Éderson in the January transfer window. He could be the missing piece for Jürgen Klopp’s midfield unit.
The links arrive from Italian outlet La Gazzetta Dello Sport, who claim Liverpool has joined the likes of Newcastle United, Barcelona and Manchester United in the race to sign the Brazilian. Any deal would cost around $43m (£32m/€40m) to complete in the current window, although a move in the summer appears more likely due to Atalanta sitting in fifth place in Serie A at present.
Liverpool invested heavily within its midfield during the summer when Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endō, and Ryan Gravenberch all joined the squad. So this begs the question, why is the club being linked to further midfield reinforcements?
The answer to that question lies within the versatility that Éderson could offer the side if he were to arrive in the future. The player is capable of operating in either a defensive role or more advanced, meaning he could provide cover across multiple positions for the Liverpool squad, which has been needed this season.
To understand his fit in a cramped Liverpool midfield, you must first analyze his strengths. His extensive passing range allows him to help his team build up from deeper positions, or create in more attacking areas from the half spaces in a similar way to Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold.
On average per game, he completes just under six progressive passes, five passes into the final third, and four long-range passes. Vision which could be utilized by this Liverpool squad, with runners like Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz, and Mohamed Salah in behind. Not to mention he’s also capable of chipping in with a goal or two in the final third, having netted five in the current campaign already.
His passing is one way he progresses the ball but he is also capable of doing it himself. With 1.36 successful take-ons and 40 carries per game, he uses his neat footwork and close control in possession to glide past opponents and drive his team forward. Another trait that would help Liverpool as it looks to counter-attack opponents.
Finally, he adds a vital level of protection ahead of the defense which as of right now, only Endō has been doing for Klopp’s side. His reading of the game and defensive intelligence allow him to break opponents’ play up well before catapulting his side forward. Another midfielder may not be a priority for Klopp currently but a player of Edérson’s profile would certainly help the push for the Premier League title if he were to arrive. Liverpool just needs to beat off Barcelona and the others.
