A look at seven potential new midfield partnerships that would be great to see next season if the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United sign who they want this summer…
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Liverpool blog
1) Francis Coquelin/Arturo Vidal (Arsenal)
With Arsenal tipped as the favourites to sign Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal this summer, the Gunners could be getting a great partner for Francis Coquelin in the middle of the park. The Chilean international would allow Santi Cazorla to play further forward, and has the ability to both shield the back four and provide goals and creativity from deep.
2) Ander Herrera/Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester United)
Two players who could complement each other really well for Manchester United, Ander Herrera has had a great first season at Old Trafford and could be joined this summer by Borussia Dortmund star Ilkay Gundogan. The German international is a class act with plenty of qualities to his game, and looks the ideal long-term replacement for Michael Carrick in that deep-lying role.
3) Jordan Henderson/Miralem Pjanic (Liverpool)
With Liverpool rebuilding after Steven Gerrard’s departure, the Reds have been linked with an exciting move for AS Roma star Miralem Pjanic. The Bosnian international is a classy playmaker who could be a good source of goals and assists for Brendan Rodgers’ side after losing their long-serving captain. With Jordan Henderson taking on the more defensive duties, this could be a great pairing for Liverpool.
4) Nemanja Matic/Koke (Chelsea)
With some doubts over whether Cesc Fabregas’ fitness can see him perform through a whole season, Chelsea have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid starlet Koke, who is one of the best young midfielders in the world. The Spanish international managed an excellent 14 assists in total this season, showing that he could play that Fabregas role perfectly if brought in by the Blues, with Nemanja Matic still the ideal player to be the more defensive of the two central starters.
5) Yaya Toure/Ross Barkley (Manchester City)
With Manchester City keen to sign homegrown players this summer, Everton wonderkid Ross Barkley is one who has caught their eye and who could be a superb long-term buy for the club. The England international would fit in well alongside a number of technical players at City, and could really learn from playing alongside someone like Yaya Toure, who has been one of the best in the world in the position for so many years.
6) Andres Iniesta/Aaron Ramsey (Barcelona)
In a somewhat surprising move, Aaron Ramsey has been linked with a move to Barcelona, who are well known for their liking of Arsenal players! The Welshman is no doubt a class act on his day and has what it takes to form a fine creative partnership with Andres Iniesta in the Barca attacking midfield, even if he isn’t exactly Xavi…
7) Toni Kroos/Paul Pogba (Real Madrid)
If Real Madrid win the race for Juventus’ Paul Pogba, it could bring an immense partnership with Toni Kroos at the Bernabeu next season. The Frenchman looks the ideal partner to compelement the German playmaker, bringing a physical presence and bags of attacking quality to the table.