Arne Slot needs to sign Liverpool’s next Xabi Alonso for £70m now after sealing Frimpong deal – opinion

With Bayer Leverkusen right-wing back Jeremie Frimpong being on the verge of signing for Liverpool, it seems like Arne Slot has plans in place to tweak his system in preparation for next season.

Liverpool could play Frimpong as a wing-back — with Slot perhaps preparing to catch opponents by surprise by giving the Dutchman heaps of responsibility in the final third.

Milos Kerkez could join Liverpool alongside the Bundesliga winner — who is another full-back tailor-made to operate as a left-back.

While only Arne Slot knows how his Liverpool side will line up in the following campaign, all the transfer links suggest that he could trial a back three.

Liverpool should sign Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton

But if Slot does deploy a three-at-the-back setup next season, Adam Wharton is a player Richard Hughes should consider making a move for.

Wharton could cost £70 million but for Liverpool, the Crystal Palace midfielder could end up being a priceless addition as he would be the ideal candidate to patrol their midfield if they play such an attacking system.

With Mohamed Salah’s defensive responsibilities reduced and the prospect of Frimpong and Kerkez bombing down the flanks, the Reds’ midfield could have far too much defensive work to do in the middle of the park.

First and foremost, the England international could ease Liverpool’s defensive burden with the ball at his feet, as he is renowned for controlling the tempo of games, progressing the ball and using his expansive passing range to full effect.

While out of possession, Wharton is an adept tackler, reader of the game and at making much-needed clearances — as the stats show.

Wharton, while not as accomplished, is the closest thing to Xabi Alonso amongst the up-and-coming holding midfielders in the world as he is a conductor and a batter in equal measure.

In a side that could feature both Frimpong and Kerkez, the Premier League champions’ approach could be more akin to Jurgen Klopp’s style of play — which was full-throttle at all times.

But if Arne Slot were to get his hands on Wharton, he could typify the fundamental facet of the former Feyenoord tactician’s philosophy; which is to control games and be able to play at different tempos.

How Liverpool could line up if they signed Wharton

However, the 46-year-old could have a difficult decision on his hands to bench one of his trusted midfield trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Liverpool are ready to extend Gravenberch’s contract as he has arguably been their best midfielder this season,.

While Mac Allister has been very consistent for Arne Slot as well.

Slot loves Szoboszlai’s work rate and values the Hungarian as one of his most important players.

However, if Liverpool play a potential 3-5-2 setup that features Salah and Cody Gakpo in a front two flanked by Frimpong and Kerkez, Wharton could very well take the former RB Leipzig dynamo’s place.

Considering Gravenberch’s natural position is as a number eight, he could push forward with Mac Allister operating as a number 10.

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