Liverpool have undergone a generational change in midfield with the signings of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch. In their second season, they continue to be the mainstay of the team.
When looking to revamp their midfield, the Merseyside club were also rumoured to be interested in Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella
The 28-year-old Italian midfielder has secured a regular place at the club this season, but former Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend says he is not good enough to be a starter at a top Premier League club.
“In my opinion he is not ‘hard-running’ enough to be a starter at Liverpool. I have doubts about whether he can also play at City and Arsenal.”
“I like Barella, he is very strong and talented but I am not so convinced that he would be a starter in many big English teams. He is not a real number 6, he likes to be free on the pitch.”
Gianluca di Marzio
An athletic Italian midfielder who runs the midfield for both club and national team, he has been a remarkable player both offensively and defensively, with results at Cagliari and close to ‘300’ appearances at Inter Milan, where he made the step up to the top flight and has played a remarkable amount of offensive and defensive football.
Due to his age, Liverpool are unlikely to make a move for him. Other strong clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester City are also unlikely to make a move. It is increasingly likely that he will spend his entire career in Italy, and the day when he performs on English soil will never come.
In any case, although it is in the past, will the 28-year-old midfielder defy expectations and make a move to the Premier League in the future…?