Midfielders Liverpool could target in the summer

Liverpool is set for a busy summer transfer window as they look to return to being competitive on all fronts next season. All chances of silverware for Jurgen Klopp's side have already faded away this campaign. Planning for next season is surely well underway, and a number of targets will have been shortlisted. But who are some of the standout players that could greatly improve Liverpool's squad next season?

Nicolo Barella

Nicola Barella is an ideal candidate to fill the creative void in Liverpool's midfield, while also providing energy and tenacity. The Italian midfielder is the complete box-to-box midfielder offering efficient defensive and offensive contributions. He has enjoyed an impressive campaign with Inter Milan recording five goals and six assists in the Serie A. In the UEFA Champions League, he has also weighed in with a number of vital goals. The highlight was a decisive opener against Benfica in the quarter-final in Lisbon.

Barella is a big game player and could have a huge impact on Liverpool's currently underperforming midfield. He dictates the tempo of proceedings and would guarantee goal contributions from midfield for the Reds.

Liverpool has struggled to create opportunities with their current midfield options. Starters Fabinho Tavares and Jordan Henderson have failed to find the net this season. Whenever Liverpool's typical midfield is deployed you can expect them to not affect the scoresheet directly. The midfield is not of the necessary quality to regularly influence the offensive side of the game. The data available from this season supports this as goals and assists rarely come from the midfield areas for Klopp's side.

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In regards to a Liverpool fixture, for example, they would certainly not back the midfield engines to record goal contributions too often.These tipsters have a broad range of knowledge that covers many of Europe's top leagues. The sports betting service offered by Sports Betting Portfolio offers an extensive range of expert tips based on goal-line markets. Peter is the expert when it comes to goal-line bets and he offers an average return of 16 units per month.

The advice offered is based on the specific teams and players involved. For example in Barella's case, he has influenced the scoresheet in 39% of his Serie A appearances this season. This is a remarkable feat for a midfield technician and accounts for a significant impact on a team's goalscoring over a season. Barella would help Liverpool to control possession while also being a net positive on the team's offensive play.

Joao Palhinha

The Portuguese midfielder has been a revolution for Fulham this season. It is a huge surprise that a 'big six' club did not attempt to sign him ahead of the West London club last summer. However, that does not mean he could not make the step up to one of England's biggest clubs this year.

The former Sporting Club star has arguably been the standout player in a Fulham team that is racing toward European qualification. He is excellent in and out of possession. Operating in defensive midfield he offers an expansive passing range from deep and strong security against the counter-attack due to strong positional discipline. He could provide much-needed competition for Fabinho Tavares who has offered inconsistency and lacked athleticism in his performances this season.

Liverpool cannot afford to take the risk of signing unproven players this summer. They need a number of midfielders in their prime years that can fit into the matchday squad seamlessly. The defensive midfield areas and the more advanced areas in the middle of the pitch must be addressed. Barella and Palhinha are both strong candidates that could greatly improve Liverpool's situation. The two stars are borderline world-class and are certainly at the caliber of a team looking to compete for major honors.

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