Liverpool were perhaps fortunate to escape with a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United in their opening Premier League game of the season, but the result highlighted one major issue that could become increasingly difficult to ignore. One of the most noticeable problems was how much Andoni Iraola's side appeared to need a genuine defensive midfielder.
Liverpool have lacked a specialist No. 6 profile for several years, with Ryan Gravenberch being used in that role. The Dutchman was initially brilliant and remains a decent option, but the Newcastle game once again demonstrated why Liverpool could benefit from a specialist defensive midfielder who can protect the back four, win duels and control the space in front of the defence.
With the transfer window still open, Liverpool could consider bringing in a new midfielder to address that weakness.
Here are our top five options.
5. Eduardo Camavinga
Eduardo Camavinga would arguably be the most exciting option on this list. The latest transfer reports suggest that Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho does not view the French midfielder as an essential part of his plans, potentially opening the door for Liverpool to make an ambitious move.
At just 23, Camavinga still has enormous room for development and has already demonstrated his ability to operate as a defensive midfielder, despite also being capable of playing further forward or at left-back.
Liverpool would have to make a significant financial commitment to sign him, but Camavinga's versatility, athleticism and technical quality could make him an ideal long-term addition.
Under Iraola, the Frenchman could also have the platform to fulfil the world-class potential he showed from a very young age.
4. Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton has been heavily linked with Liverpool over the past year and remains one of the most promising young midfielders in English football.
The Crystal Palace star has already shown remarkable composure for his age, particularly when receiving possession under pressure and progressing the ball from deep. Those qualities would make him an attractive candidate for Liverpool's midfield.
Wharton also possesses the defensive intelligence required to play as a No. 6, while his passing range could allow Liverpool to build attacks more effectively from the base of midfield.
The biggest problem is timing.
With the transfer window approaching its conclusion, Crystal Palace have little reason to sell one of their most important young players. Consequently, it would likely take a huge transfer fee for Liverpool to convince Palace to let Wharton leave at this stage.
3. Angelo Stiller
Angelo Stiller is another midfielder who could make considerable sense for Liverpool.
The Stuttgart midfielder has established himself as one of the Bundesliga's most promising defensive midfielders, combining intelligent positioning with excellent passing ability. He has previously attracted interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs, including Real Madrid.
At 25, Stiller also fits Liverpool's preference for signing talented players who are approaching the peak years of their careers.
Rather than simply being a ball-winning midfielder, Stiller can dictate the tempo from deep and help his team maintain possession. That could be particularly valuable for Liverpool if they want their No. 6 to do more than simply protect the defence.
His tactical intelligence could make him an excellent fit for Iraola's system.
2. Martin Zubimendi
Martin Zubimendi would be a particularly intriguing option because Liverpool have already come extremely close to signing him.
The Spanish midfielder initially looked set for an excellent start to life at Arsenal, but his form subsequently fell off a cliff. With Bruno Guimaraes now also arriving at Arsenal, Zubimendi could find himself further down Mikel Arteta's midfield pecking order.
That could potentially give Liverpool an opportunity.
Liverpool previously had an agreement in place to sign Zubimendi before the midfielder ultimately rejected the move. However, circumstances have changed considerably since then.
If Arsenal become willing to negotiate, Liverpool could return for a player who already possesses the qualities required to play as a specialist No. 6. His positioning, passing and ability to dictate games would address exactly the weakness highlighted against Newcastle.
1. Ruben Neves
If Liverpool are searching for a short-term solution, potentially even through a loan deal, there may be no better option than Ruben Neves.
The Portuguese midfielder is vastly experienced, Premier League proven and already understands the demands of English football from his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Neves could immediately add composure and defensive structure to Liverpool's midfield. His passing range would also allow him to contribute to the build-up, while his experience could make him a reliable stop-gap while Liverpool assess their longer-term options.
The major question is whether Al Hilal would even consider allowing their star midfielder to leave. A permanent transfer could be complicated, but Liverpool could potentially explore a loan arrangement if the Saudi Arabian club and player are receptive.
If Neves can be convinced that a return to the Premier League is the right move, a temporary deal could represent an ideal solution.
The Newcastle draw showed Liverpool why the Defensive Midfielder position deserves attention. Whether they pursue Camavinga, Wharton, Stiller, Zubimendi or Neves, adding a genuine defensive midfielder could give the Reds greater balance and make them considerably more difficult to play against.
