Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Danish midfielder Morten Frendrup, with the 22-year-old’s development being monitored for a potential summer move.
The Dane has started all but one of Genoa’s league fixtures this season, with Spurs and Juventus also linked with a move for the midfielder.
Previously reported that Liverpool were monitoring Frendrup as their search for a long-term occupant of the No.6 role seemingly goes on.
The Reds entertained a high-profile midfield rebuild last summer, however the defensive role previously occupied by Fabinho still raises doubts. Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo have performed well in the position, but with the Argentine likely wanting to push further forward and Endo 31 next month, a talented young defensive midfielder would certainly be welcomed at Anfield.
However, reports that a move for the midfielder is unlikely to be done in the January window as scouts continue to assess his ability, with his non-homegrown status also considered to be an issue at this stage.
Frendrup has previously admitted his desire to play at Anfield, telling the Danish press in 2018: “It’s a dream I’ve always had (to play for Liverpool), and I believe it will succeed. If I work hard, I believe in it.”
The 22-year-old, who won the Danish league with Brondby in 2021, has impressed greatly this season with Italian transfer reporter Gianluca Di Marzio telling Tipsbladet that Genoa would be after a fee in the region of £13million to acquire the defensive midfielder.
On our Expert Insight show, Dan spoke to Danish football specialist and Brondby fan, Toke Theilade, who gave us his thoughts on what to expect should Frendrup make the move to Anfield.
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Is Frendrup ready to join Liverpool?
“I think he definitely suits the Liverpool style because when he first came through at Brondby, they also had a German head coach and that was the most physical team that has played in the Danish league. They were running several kilometres more than all their opponents every game. It was a really intense, high-pressure and super-aggressive style. So, he got that style into his blood at a young age.
“The same team that he won the Danish league with also played aggressively. I think he’s played in a bit more of a passive team in Italy but that aggressive style, gegenpressing and counterattacks will suit him really well.
“He’s not a lightning-fast player but when he has the ball at his feet he can definitely move it forward fast. He has a good eye for making the right decisions when progressing in attacks. I think he would fit quite well with the Liverpool style.
“I also think his stamina levels are well suited for all the matches in the Premier League so I don’t think that would be an issue when settling in because he’s always been in great shape. He always manages to take really good care of himself.
“In terms of the level, I think Liverpool is huge. I can’t say for sure that he will definitely be the next Fabinho because that’s so tough to predict, but if he’s given the chance I wouldn’t feel like he’d fall through anything like that.
“He grows with the challenges, he’s professional, he’s smart and whether that’s enough to be a key player for Liverpool, it’s difficult to say, but I definitely think he would be someone that the fans appreciate a lot.
“He’s someone who can be really popular because of the way he acts, the way he plays and the way he carries himself. He’s definitely someone that the fans would like.”
Who would you compare him to? Is he the next Jan Molby?
“I never really got to watch Jan Molby unfortunately, but from what I’ve heard from my father who watched him a lot, I don’t think so. As I understand it, Molby was much more forward-playing and creative which isn’t really Frendrup’s game.
“One comparison that comes to mind, and I hope you don’t take this the wrong way because he was not too good for Liverpool, but I think Christian Poulsen. Before he went to Liverpool, he was one of the greatest defensive midfielders that Denmark had. He was really good at Sevilla and earned that move to both Juventus and Liverpool.
“I think he has the same intelligence on the pitch, the same cleverness with positioning and he’s a hard player. He’s not afraid of tackling players much bigger than him.
“If we’re staying in the Danish department, I think I would compare him to Poulsen, but the Sevilla Christian Poulsen and not the Liverpool Christian Poulsen.”
“He Keeps Elevating His Level” – Danish football expert on Liverpool linked Morten Frendrup
Redmen Reacts
Following last summer’s midfield overhaul, it’s now a case of adding the finishing touches to create something that can compete for many years to come, and Frendrup could be that missing piece of the jigsaw.
Statistically, his defensive ability is very impressive, with only Fulham’s Joao Palhinha completing more than his 75 tackles in Europe’s top five leagues so far this season. The tackles he makes also tend to be in all thirds of the pitch with an average of 3.9 a game, showing his tenacity and energy to win the ball back. His blocking and interception stats are also impressive.
His ability to get forward and attack is something he is yet to show much of in his game, however, he has managed five assists in all competitions this season showing he isn’t necessarily just someone to sit in front of the back four.
Overall, Frendrup looks to be a very solid defensive midfielder, demonstrated by his importance to Genoa this season. He clearly isn’t the finished article just yet, but a 22-year-old for the prices that are being mentioned could be a good cheap alternative to other names rumoured.
Let’s just hope we don’t get the Liverpool Christian Poulsen!
