Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has weighed in on the club's transfer business ahead of the closing stages of the summer window, insisting that a new defensive midfielder should be the priority rather than further reinforcements in attack.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Sturridge argued that Liverpool's midfield, despite its recent success, remains short of a genuine holding player. He pointed out that the emergence of Ryan Gravenberch as a reliable presence in that role during the club's Premier League title-winning campaign had temporarily eased concerns that had lingered for years.
"We have been talking about a defensive midfielder at Liverpool for the last three years and I think [Ryan] Gravenberch coming into the team and playing consistently and Liverpool winning the Premier League sort of changed that philosophy," Sturridge said. "But if you actually analyse the midfield, then they're all naturally more attacking players."
The pundit went further, questioning whether Dominik Szoboszlai is being used in his ideal position. He suggested the Hungarian international's passing range and pressing intensity make him better suited to a more advanced role rather than as part of a double pivot.
"Szoboszlai is probably better as a No10," Sturridge explained. "He strikes the ball well, he sets the press very well and all in all I think he's a more offensive minded player when you talk about the counter attack and the goal they conceded."
His comments come as Liverpool continue to be linked with attacking reinforcements before the transfer deadline, with names such as Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh mentioned in connection with a move to Anfield. However, Sturridge cast doubt on the logic of pursuing a left-sided forward, given the depth Liverpool already possess in that area.
"We're looking at the reports and it's saying 'left-winger' for me you can play [Cody] Gakpo, you've got [Florian] Wirtz and [Rio] Ngumoha," Sturridge said. "If I'm buying a winger at Liverpool, I'd rather go right-wing because I've got options on the left. I'm not sure about bringing in another left-winger, personally."
By contrast, the former England international suggested that if Liverpool were to add another attacker before the window shuts, a player capable of operating on the right flank would represent a more sensible fit, given the current balance of Arne Slot's squad. Minteh, who plays predominantly on the right for Brighton, was floated as a more logical target than Barcola, who operates primarily on the left.
Sturridge's remarks add to the ongoing debate over how Liverpool should use the remaining days of the transfer window, with question marks still hanging over whether the champions will move to strengthen defensively in midfield or continue to focus on adding firepower going forward.
Liverpool's attention will soon turn back to matters on the pitch, with the club set to host Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday. The fixture represents the final game before the transfer deadline, meaning any incoming or outgoing business is likely to be finalised in the days immediately following the match.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (football).