Liverpool’s Midfield Plan: What Slot Needs in His Ideal Number 6 | OneFootball

Arne Slot’s Ideal Number 6: The Profile Liverpool Must Target

The search for Liverpool’s next great defensive midfielder continues under Arne Slot. In the latest Stat Me Up podcast on Anfield Index, Dave Davis and Dr Phil Barter explored exactly what kind of Number 6 the Reds should be targeting in the summer. The conversation offered fascinating insights into the attributes that define the perfect player for this crucial role.

Defining the Number 6 Under Arne Slot

Liverpool have been actively scouting for a new defensive midfielder, but as Barter noted, the profile they’re looking at under Slot differs from what Jürgen Klopp might have sought in previous years. “They’ve been looking for a different type of six than what we’d look for under Jürgen Klopp,” he explained.

While the Reds were heavily linked with Martín Zubimendi, Barter believes that pursuit has faded. “I have moved away from thinking about Zubimendi because I think we’ve moved past that as a club. His age profile’s gone as well out the window.”

Instead, Liverpool are looking for a midfielder with both defensive solidity and the ability to influence possession. The ideal candidate won’t be a traditional holding midfielder but will possess qualities that allow tactical flexibility.

Hybrid Midfielder Over a Traditional Anchor

One of the key themes of the discussion was Liverpool’s preference for a hybrid midfielder rather than a pure destroyer. “At the moment, all the players Liverpool have looked at have been a hybrid,” Barter said, before adding that the target will likely be “a player that’s slightly more defensive-minded than Gravenberch.”

Photo: IMAGO

Slot is not expected to pursue a Fabinho-style midfield enforcer. “I don’t think Slot wants a true six if you like,” Barter clarified. Instead, he suggested Liverpool will aim for someone who can operate as a defensive midfielder but still offer ball progression and pressing qualities.

The Brighton midfielder, Baleba fits the bill but would come at a hefty price. “He would cost a leg, but he’s a lot more defensive than Gravenberch. But he’s not a true, true six.” This indicates Liverpool may target a similar profile but at a lower cost.

Physicality and Technical Ability Are Non-Negotiable

Liverpool’s recruitment criteria under Slot appear to be strict. Barter laid out the key qualities the club are focusing on: “Tall, mobile, physically up for it. Look at his duel rate and his aerial rate for a start. Then you look at his pass completion because none of our midfielders can’t pass the ball.”

Passing ability is essential, with Barter highlighting that “they’re all above 85%, 86% pretty much.” But beyond technical ability, Liverpool want an aggressive ball-winner. “Does he win the majority of his duels? Is he strong? Is he quick? Does he do sprints? And is he tall?” If a player ticks those boxes, they become a legitimate target.

A New Midfield Blueprint

A crucial part of Liverpool’s midfield evolution is how they will adjust tactically if key players leave. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future remains uncertain, and Barter suggested his departure could trigger system changes. “If Trent confirms he’s definitely going, then I think you’re going to need to find a way of getting your midfield to create more threat.”

This could mean pushing Alexis Mac Allister further forward and bringing in a deeper-lying midfielder to complement Gravenberch. “If you bought a more defensive-minded midfielder, you could play the two of them, and Gravenberch could be a bit more of an eight,” Barter explained.

Liverpool’s recruitment team appears intent on securing a versatile, dominant midfielder rather than a pure anchorman. As Barter summarised, “Any player we sign, they have to tick that box.”

With the summer transfer window approaching, all eyes are on who Liverpool will target to become the perfect Number 6 under Arne Slot.