Stephen Warnock says Liverpool badly miss failed £111m transfer target | OneFootball

Stephen Warnock believes Liverpool are desperately missing the type of midfielder Moises Caicedo has become at Chelsea, with the former defender admitting the Ecuadorian would improve Arne Slot’s side immediately.

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Speaking exclusively to Empire of the Kop on behalf of BetWright who provide Premier League Odds, Warnock identified holding midfield as the key area Liverpool must address this summer following another frustrating display against Chelsea at Anfield.

The comments come after Caicedo dominated large periods of the 1-1 draw while Liverpool once again looked vulnerable defensively and too passive without the ball.

Warnock says Liverpool need a Caicedo-type midfielder

Warnock was full of praise for the midfielder, who Liverpool famously tried to sign before Chelsea hijacked the move with a £115m offer in 2023.

The former left-back explained: “Holding midfield. They need someone who senses danger and someone physical in there.”

The ex-Blackburn defender then admitted Liverpool could badly use the Chelsea star now.

“The one player who was outstanding on the day was Moises Caicedo.”

Warnock added: “Liverpool could do with him right now.”

The 44-year-old highlighted exactly why the Ecuador international impressed so much against Liverpool at Anfield.

“He’s physically brilliant and he understands how to mop up and cover players.”

Chelsea midfielder exposed Liverpool weakness

Caicedo’s display underlined a growing issue within Slot’s side this season.

Ryan Gravenberch has enjoyed excellent moments in the No.6 role and was even praised recently by Caicedo himself, but the Dutch midfielder often looks isolated when Liverpool lose control physically in matches.

Warnock’s point wasn’t necessarily criticism of Gravenberch either.

Instead, the pundit suggested Liverpool lack a natural defensive midfielder capable of dominating transitions and protecting the back line consistently.

Caicedo’s numbers (via Sofascore) against Liverpool reflected that influence too, with the Chelsea man registering six tackles, winning nine of his 14 ground duels and never being dribbled past once – though that does ignore one moment of grappling that went unpunished.

The irony is many Liverpool supporters previously felt missing out on the £111m move may actually have been a blessing.

However, after another passive performance where Chelsea looked stronger physically and tactically, that opinion is beginning to shift.

Warnock summed it up perfectly when he said Liverpool now need someone “in that mould”.

Right now, it’s difficult to argue otherwise.