Andoni Iraola has rebuilt Liverpool around a high-pressing block, and the shift away from the possession-heavy approach of the previous era has left them fourth in the Premier League. Any Liverpool transfer news this winter therefore starts with what that system asks of the engine room.

Ryan Gravenberch anchors the unit, carrying the ball and winning ground duels, although fast vertical counters expose him in lateral recovery. Alexis Mac Allister coordinates around him, and his positioning and passing retention steady the chaos of the press, even if he lacks explosive mobility.

Dominik Szoboszlai provides the secondary press triggers, but his final-third creativity has been irregular. Florian Wirtz operates higher in the half-spaces, where he prioritises shot creation over defensive cover. Wataru Endō only plays when Liverpool must protect a lead in a low block, because he cannot sustain a 90-minute press.

That balance explains the gap left by the summer. Liverpool’s recruitment worked on the creative end of the team, yet nobody arrived as a specialist, high-volume defensive destroyer to help the press. The result is a midfield with plenty of technique and pressing energy but no natural ball-winner who can slide in beside Gravenberch or Mac Allister without costing the team its aggression.

Liverpool transfer news: Reds step up contact over Monaco target

According to Foot Africa, Liverpool have intensified communication with the representatives of Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, hoping to beat rival suitors and test whether a deal is viable. No terms are agreed, and the Reds remain in the early scouting and evaluation phase.

Monaco’s €55m to €70m valuation (roughly £48m to £61m) collapsed a deadline-day move to Chelsea in the summer and kept the 22-year-old in Ligue 1.

Anfield scouts will like the numbers. In 10 league games, Camara has won 18 of 21 tackles (85%), completed 515 of 562 passes (91%) and won 36 fouls while conceding 13, which suits Iraola’s transitions. The flaws are clear: six chances created, no goals in 900 minutes, and positional discipline that wanders when he hunts the ball, which could leave a double pivot disjointed.

Should Liverpool pursue this ball-winner in January?

Yes, and aggressively. The midfield lacks a dynamic, high-volume ball-winner who can join a double pivot without softening the press. Gravenberch and Mac Allister bring exceptional technique, but neither offers Camara’s natural defensive destruction. Signing him would give Iraola the balance to protect transitions, freeing Wirtz and Szoboszlai to hurt opponents in the final third without defensive hesitation.

The €58m to €70m investment (about £50m to £61m) is steep for a player without a goal this season, and Liverpool must accept they are buying a destroyer, not a creator. Pairing him with Mac Allister’s positioning would contain the wandering, and a settled double pivot is the final step in turning this side into title contenders.