For a attacking-minded team like Liverpool, the role of a defensive midfielder is crucial. In the success of the Anfield team over the years, alongside names like Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino, Fabinho has played an equally important role. He is the anchor in the midfield, ensuring balance in the team.

However, since the departure of the Brazilian midfielder, Liverpool has not found a worthy successor to fill his position. Last summer, after unsuccessful attempts with Moises Caicedo, coach Jurgen Klopp brought in Wataru Endo, hoping that the Japanese international would perform well.

In reality, the former captain of Vfb Stuttgart has somewhat met the expectations. However, that is when he is playing at his highest level and physical fitness. It’s widely known that Endo is approaching the age of 32, which is not suitable for playing at a consistently high intensity in the Premier League.

Endo has not reached the level of Fabinho in the past. For comparison, Fabinho averaged 2.1 and 2.2 successful tackles per game in the English Premier League in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons, while Endo’s numbers this season are only 1.6. Similarly, Fabinho also achieved an average of 1.2 and 1.1 successful interceptions per game in those two seasons, which is significantly higher than Endo’s 0.6 interceptions per game.

These statistics may not be of utmost importance as the team’s playing style may vary in different phases. However, they somewhat reflect why Liverpool’s glory days have passed since the departure of the Brazilian player.

Now, the challenge for the new leadership and the new coach is to find a “number 6” like Fabinho. Relying on Endo in the upcoming season could be extremely risky, as evidenced by Liverpool’s recent struggles, such as the 3-3 draw against Aston Villa or the 0-1 loss to Crystal Palace, and their elimination by Atalanta in the Europa League.

Arne Slot is expected to soon take over the seat left by Klopp. The current Feyenoord manager will undoubtedly consider a series of names to select the ideal personnel to lay the foundation for his era at Anfield.

The Dutch coach also tends to prioritize attacking play, which further emphasizes the need for a world-class defensive midfielder. Fabinho’s excellence in the past allowed players like Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum to freely contribute to the attack.

Liverpool currently has two talented and young midfielders in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. To fully utilize the strengths of this duo, Slot needs a player who can clean up and provide cover. That’s why it wouldn’t be surprising if Liverpool’s first signing this summer is a defensive midfielder.