Which players should be looking at to replace Steven Gerrard in defensive midfield if he leaves at the end of the season?
Steven Gerrard is a genuine Liverpool legend, but his time at the club may be coming to an end. His contract runs out at the end of the year, and Liverpool have yet to offer him a new deal. It may be best for both parties if he moves on, with his performances apparently starting to decline as he ages.
Gerrard has been playing (pretty poorly) as a defensive midfielder for Liverpool, and here are some of the replacements they could invest in to replace him in the side.
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Giannelli Imbula – Marseille
Imbula is a powerful 22-year-old defensive midfielder, who has excelled in the all-action system that Marcelo Bielsa has introduced at Marseille. While he is still quite technically raw, the Frenchman already has the physical and mental attributes necessary to succeed at Liverpool.
Gregorz Krychowiak – Sevilla
The Polish midfielder moved to Seville in the summer, and his performances has apparently attracted interest from clubs including Arsenal. Ideal as a defensive midfield replacement for Gerrard, he can also play as a centre-back.
Ignacio Camacho – Malaga
Camacho is a solid defensive midfielder, who has great passing ability like Gerrard. He would be an excellent fit alongside Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson in the Liverpool midfield.
Radja Nainggolan – Roma
Negotiating for Nainggolan might be difficult, as he is co-owned by Cagliari and Roma, but it would be worth the difficulty for Liverpool. The Belgian midfielder is a tough, aggressive enforcer, whose steel would be very useful alongside Rodgers’ more skilful players.
Cristoph Kramer – Borussia Monchengladbach
Another younsgter Liverpool will have to battle for, Kramer has been linked with a January move to Arsenal. He is a smart, neat defensive midfielder, who has been an important part of Monchengladbach’s fantastic Bundesliga performance this year.