Jude Bellingham Alternatives: 5 Midfielders Liverpool Should Be Looking At
With an ageing and injured midfield, Jurgen Klopp has many decisions to make at the end of a difficult 2023 season. A long-term interest in Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham will not result in a transfer due to financial constraints. As a result, Jurgen Klopp is now looking to rebuild his midfield by targeting multiple players instead of focusing solely on Bellingham.
In this article, we will explore five alternatives Liverpool should consider and analyse their strengths, weaknesses, and potential impact on the team.
Ryan Gravenberch, Ajax
Strengths
Gravenberch is a young, talented midfielder who could be a cost-effective alternative to Bellingham. His potential for growth and development makes him a compelling option for the future. Gravenberch is known for his physicality, technical skills, and ability to break up play, making him a suitable candidate for Liverpool’s midfield.
Weaknesses
Gravenberch’s main weakness is his lack of experience in the Premier League. Getting used to a new league and country can be challenging, and there is always a risk that a player may need help to settle in.
Potential Impact
If Gravenberch can settle in quickly, he could become a long-term solution for Liverpool’s midfield, providing a solid presence and contributing to attack and defence.
Similarities To Jude Bellingham
Both Gravenberch and Bellingham are young, talented midfielders who have the potential to become world-class players. They are both excellent passers and dribblers, and they are both comfortable playing in various midfield roles.
Differences To Jude Bellingham
Gravenberch is a more physical player than Bellingham and more experienced in the Champions League. However, Bellingham is a better goal scorer than Gravenberch.
Nicolo Barella, Inter Milan
Strengths
The Italian Midfielder has been a star player for Inter Milan and could be an excellent addition to Liverpool’s squad. Barella’s ability to contribute offensively and defensively make him an ideal candidate to play as a midfielder for Liverpool. He possesses excellent passing skills, vision, and a high work rate, essential for a Liverpool midfielder.
Weaknesses
Like Gravenberch, Barella lacks Premier League experience, and there is a risk that he may need help to adapt to English football.
Potential Impact: Italian School of Football
If Barella can adapt to the Premier League, he could become a key player for Liverpool, providing creativity and energy in the midfield. Italian football is notable for its determination to defend efficiently, and Barella proved to be a versatile midfielder capable of contributing to the defensive part of the game as well as creating chances and even scoring.
Similarities To Jude Bellingham
Barella and Bellingham are young, dynamic midfielders capable of contributing offensively and defensively. They are also both excellent passers and visionaries.
Differences To Jude Bellingham
Barella is a more physical player than Bellingham and more experienced in the Champions League. However, Bellingham is a more natural goalscorer than Barella.
Mason Mount, Chelsea
Strengths
Mount has proven his worth at Chelsea over the past few years and could flourish under Klopp’s management. His creativity, work rate, and ability to score goals make him an attractive option for Liverpool. Mount is versatile, capable of playing in various midfield roles, and has experience in the Premier League. He is also currently being approached by Newcastle United.
Weaknesses
Mount’s main weakness is his price tag. Chelsea will probably only let off their star player for a huge transfer fee, which could be a problem for Liverpool.
Potential Impact
If Liverpool can secure Mount’s signature, he could become a key player in their midfield, providing goals and assists from a more advanced position. The fact that he is already adapted to the cultural aspects of the Premier League and the pressure of a major English club since the academy level, could make him fit quickly into Liverpool. New tactics and a different environment could also help Mount discover his creative and goalscoring form. Liverpool are also the joint top favourites to sign him at 2/1 alongside a possible move to the Bundesliga for those who bet on football.
Similarities To Jude Bellingham
Mount and Bellingham are English midfielders who have entered their respective clubs’ ranks. They are both versatile players who can play various midfield roles.
Differences To Jude Bellingham
Mount is a more natural goalscorer than Bellingham and more experienced in the Premier League. However, Bellingham is a better passer and dribbler than Mount.
Moises Caicedo, Brighton & Hove Albion
Strengths
Caicedo has been linked with a move to Liverpool as a potential replacement for Fabinho. The 21-year-old Midfielder could fit Klopp’s system perfectly, offering defensive strength and a strong physical presence. Caicedo is known for his high-volume tackling, interceptions, and ability to read the game, making him a suitable candidate for a defensive midfield role.
Weaknesses
While a high-level tackler, this doesn’t always result in possession, leading to a high number of fouls. His in-the-box movement needs work, including man-to-man marking and on the opposite end, improving his goal threat, although as a box-to-box midfielder this is not his primary role.
There’s also the January transfer to Arsenal that broke down to consider…
Potential Impact
If Caicedo can continue to develop and adapt to Klopp’s system, he could become a key player in Liverpool’s midfield, providing defensive stability and allowing more attacking players to flourish.
Similarities To Jude Bellingham
Both Caicedo and Bellingham are young, energetic midfielders capable of breaking up play and winning the ball back. They are both also good passers and dribblers.
Differences To Jude Bellingham
Caicedo is a more physical player than Bellingham and is more experienced in South American football. However, Bellingham is a better goalscorer than Caicedo.
Konrad Laimer, RB Leipzig
Strengths
Laimer is a versatile midfielder who can play various roles, making him an attractive option for Liverpool. He is known for his strong tackling and ability to contribute offensively, making him the right candidate for Klopp’s system.
Weaknesses
Laimer’s biggest flaw is gaining experience in the Premier League, which could make it hard for him to get used to English football.
Potential Impact
If Laimer can adapt to the Premier League, he could become a valuable addition to Liverpool’s midfield, providing energy and versatility.
Similarities To Jude Bellingham
Both Laimer and Bellingham are versatile midfielders who can play various roles. They are both also good passers and dribblers.
Differences To Jude Bellingham
Laimer is a more physical player than Bellingham and more experienced in the Champions League. However, Bellingham is a better goalscorer than Laimer.
Summary
Liverpool’s financial constraints have led to the club pulling out of the race to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham. As a result, Liverpool is looking to rebuild its midfield by targeting multiple players.
This article explores five potential alternatives for Bellingham and analyses their strengths, weaknesses, and potential impact on the team. The players discussed are Nicolo Barella of Inter Milan, Mason Mount of Chelsea, Ryan Gravenberch of Ajax, Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion, and Konrad Laimer of RB Leipzig. Each player offers unique qualities to Liverpool’s midfield, but they all need more Premier League experience. If they can adapt quickly, they become valuable assets to the team.
