After manager Arne Slot’s side failed to persuade Zubimendi to leave Spain last summer, some fans expressed concerns about the depth of Liverpool’s midfield heading into the 2024-25 season. The heavy workload on players like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai was evident towards the end of the previous campaign.
Despite those worries, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai proved their quality on Sunday, both scoring in Liverpool’s emphatic 6-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur—a win that marked Slot’s 21st in 25 games. With Liverpool leading both the Premier League and Champions League tables, many believe this January window presents the perfect opportunity to bolster the squad while in a position of strength.
According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool scouts are impressed by Nico Gonzalez, who has a reported £50 million buyout clause. The 22-year-old offers a different profile compared to Zubimendi. While Zubimendi thrives in a defensive midfield role, dictating the game’s tempo, Gonzalez operates with more freedom and versatility.
This season, Gonzalez has scored four goals and delivered two assists in the league, outperforming Zubimendi, who has one goal and one assist in over 1,400 La Liga minutes. Gonzalez also boasts a higher short-pass completion rate—92.5% compared to Zubimendi’s 87.8%—even though the latter has attempted slightly more passes.
Comparing players from different leagues and tactical systems is always tricky, but any new addition to Anfield will need to adapt to Slot’s blend of high-tempo, vertical football and game control. Gonzalez’s passing ability and all-around contributions suggest he could be a strong fit for Liverpool’s evolving style under Slot, making him an intriguing option for the Reds as they look to maintain their momentum.
