Liverpool boasted one of the strongest midfields in the Premier League last season, leading them to the title. However, this year’s performance has shown that past success does not guarantee current results, as they are currently falling behind in the title race for the 2025/26 season.
Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have struggled this season, while Dominik Szoboszlai is performing well, alongside fellow former Bundesliga star Florian Wirtz. Nonetheless, Liverpool lacks a deep-lying midfielder who can control the tempo and deliver vertical passes.
Gravenberch was effective last season as a No. 6/8, but this year he has not been able to create crucial plays from deep or fully control the passing game for the team.
Adam Wharton can enhance Liverpool’s midfield
The team is missing a genuine deep-lying playmaker who can unify their style of play. Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace could be the solution. At just 22, he is expected to be a sought-after player in the summer 2026 transfer window, with top clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona showing interest.
Wharton recently supplied two assists in a strong performance that helped Crystal Palace secure a 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, demonstrating his value as a deep-lying playmaker throughout the season.
While he still has room to grow into a world-class midfielder, his ability to deliver vertical passes and energize the team is something Liverpool desperately needs. Pairing Wharton with Gravenberch, who can then send passes to forwards like Hugo Ekitike and Wirtz, represents the caliber of player Liverpool should seek to build their midfield for the next several years in the Premier League.