Nigel Reo-Coker has told Liverpool they “need them” to have Joao Palhinha and must beat their Premier League rivals to solve their “biggest problem”.
The Reds lost five midfielders from the summer selection and had to spend the whole period that way. As a result, four more midfielders were recruited.
Alexis McAllister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenbirch all walked through the door. Both players performed well for Red, helping them turn their fortunes around last season when they finished fifth in the Premier League and went level in the title race at Christmas.
However, it was pointed out that each of these players play in similar positions and that a midfielder is needed.They have been linked with a number of players at the position throughout the season.
Fluminense midfielder Andre was a top target until about a month ago. However, it was recently reported that any deal with Brazil had “fallen through”. Andre is expected to move to Fulham instead of Anfield.
The other option really belongs to the Cottagers. Liverpool are reportedly interested in midfielder Palhinha. The same goes for a number of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Arsenal.
Reo-Coker believes Liverpool should deploy a midfielder in front of these flanks given the significant gaps they could fill at Anfield. “That’s my opinion, I think they need Palhinha and they need to address their central midfield position,” Reo-Coker told Football Daily.”That’s been the biggest problem.
They need ball handlers who can disrupt play but are comfortable holding the ball and creating chances. That’s been the biggest problem this season.”Palhinha is a great destroyer.
When it comes to breaking plays, Palhinha seems to be the perfect player for the Reds.
The Portuguese midfielder has made the most tackles of anybody in the Premier League this season, with his tally of 78 beating the next highest by 19.
Palhinha recorded 48 more tackles than the next player on the league list last season with 148, showing he is superior to other midfielders in the league when it comes to stopping play. So he will be looking to add the elements Liverpool have been missing and round out the midfield well.
