Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Image Credits: Getty images

James Pearce has revealed what Liverpool are looking for in a defensive midfielder.

It is no longer news that Liverpool have been  in the market for a defensive midfielder for the last two seasons.

Last summer they wanted to sign Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, but missed out on both  players.

This summer, Real Sociedad man, Martin Zubimendi was Liverpool’s primary defensive midfield target.

But the Spanish European Championship winner decided against coming to Anfield, choosing rather to stay in San Sebastian, despite initially giving Liverpool his word.

As such, Liverpool have been unable to land their primary defensive midfield targets for the past two summers.

This has left rivals fans gloating over their predicament, with Liverpool labelled as one of the losers of the last transfer window.

Meanwhile many of the club’s supporters were also left red-faced at Liverpool’s inability to secure deals for Zubimendi, with the consensus being that the club was under-prepared for the season.

However, Liverpool seem to have proven those fears wrong, with three brilliant wins in their first three league games.

One player that has shone in those games is Ryan Gravenberch.

The 22-year-old was  signed last season, when Liverpool failed to sign either Caicedo and Lavia. But he was unable hold down a place in the starting XI, starting just twelve times in the Premier League for Jurgen Klopp in his final season.

However, things have been different for Gravenberch this season, and he seems to be one of the biggest winners from Liverpool’s failed attempt to sign Zubimendi.

The 22-year-old, who recently spoke about his midfield role under Slot, starred as Liverpool beat fierce rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

And now Liverpool journalist James Pearce has revealed the type of profile Liverpool want in a defensive midfielder and why Gravenberch is the perfect fit for Arne Slot.

Speaking in the Athletic FC Podcast, Pearce stated that the type of defensive midfielder Liverpool wanted under Jurgen Klopp has changed under Arne Slot.

“I think it is really interesting the profile of what Liverpool are after and what Slot wants in that position has changed since Klopp,” Pearce said.

“Because I spoke to someone at Liverpool last week that said if they [Liverpool] had signed Caicedo last summer, would he really have fitted what Slot wants in terms of a highly technical player who is able to operate in really tight spaces and is press-resistant and is so good at finding space between the lines, things that Gravenberch did on Sunday.”

“I think there is a big question there because Slot wants a different type.

“While Klopp wanted a destroyer in that position, someone who is physical, to break up play.

“So the whole of the midfield has changed now with two midfielders sitting deep and one pushing on.

“At the minute Gravenberch looks like he could be the answer.”

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone
For more news relating to Manchester United, visit our sister site MUFC Live.