Liverpool could benefit from adding another natural defensive midfielder, and there are several exciting options the club could consider.
With Andoni Iraola now looking to build his own identity at Anfield, having a reliable No. 6 capable of protecting the defence, winning possession and helping Liverpool control games could become increasingly important.
While Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch can operate in deeper positions, neither is a traditional defensive midfielder in the mould of the best holding midfielders. A specialist No. 6 would give Iraola another tactical option and provide valuable competition in the middle of the pitch.
Here are five defensive midfielders Liverpool could consider.
1. Lamine Camara —- Crystal Palace
Lamine Camara would be one of the most exciting options for Liverpool.
The Senegalese midfielder combines energy, physicality and technical ability. He is capable of winning the ball back, covering large areas of the pitch and progressing possession from deep.
For a Liverpool team that wants to play with intensity, Camara’s athleticism could be particularly useful. He can contribute defensively without becoming a liability when Liverpool have possession.
His ability to operate as a No. 6 while also contributing further forward makes him an attractive profile.
Why Liverpool should consider him: Energy, ball-winning ability, mobility and versatility.
Lamine Camara playing for AS Monaco
2. Adam Wharton — Crystal Palace
Adam Wharton remains one of the most intriguing young midfielders in the Premier League.
The England international is not your traditional destroyer. Instead, he excels at controlling games from deep, progressing possession and breaking lines with his passing.
That could be particularly valuable for Liverpool.
Wharton has already established himself as a regular for Crystal Palace, and Liverpool have previously been linked with a move for the 22-year-old.
His ability to play as a lone pivot while also contributing creatively makes him an interesting option for Iraola.
Why he fits Liverpool: Press resistance, passing range, composure and tactical intelligence.
Adam Wharton playing for Crystal Palace
3. Alex Scott — Bournemouth
Alex Scott could be one of the most interesting options because of his relationship with Andoni Iraola.
Iraola knows Scott from their time together at Bournemouth, where the midfielder developed into an important part of the team’s midfield structure.
Scott is technically gifted, energetic and comfortable receiving possession under pressure. He can also carry the ball forward and contribute defensively.
Recent reports have suggested Liverpool could have an opportunity to pursue Scott, particularly if Bournemouth eventually include a release clause in a new contract.
The familiarity with Iraola’s demands could also make his adaptation at Anfield easier.
Why he fits Liverpool: He already understands Iraola’s football, offers energy and can play multiple midfield roles.
Alex Scott for England
4. João Gomes—Aston Villa
João Gomes would bring a completely different profile to Liverpool’s midfield.
The Brazilian midfielder built a reputation at Wolves for his aggressive pressing, tackling and ability to regain possession before joining Aston Villa in a £38 million deal in July 2026.
Liverpool were reportedly interested in Gomes and made contact during the summer transfer window before Aston Villa won the race for his signature.
His ball-winning ability, intensity and Premier League experience would make him an attractive option if Liverpool continue looking for a midfielder capable of protecting the defence and winning second balls.
Why Liverpool should consider him: Aggression, tackling, pressing, ball recovery and Premier League experience.
João Gomes for Aston Villa
5. Angelo Stiller — Stuttgart
Angelo Stiller would provide a slightly different profile.
The Germany international is more of a deep-lying controller than a traditional ball-winning No. 6. He is comfortable dictating the tempo from deep and has the passing quality to help Liverpool control possession.
That makes him particularly interesting if Iraola wants his midfield pivot to contribute heavily during build-up.
Stiller has also previously been identified as a potential Liverpool target, with reports highlighting his ability to combine creativity from deep with improved defensive security.
Why he fits Liverpool: Passing, positional intelligence, composure and control from deep.
Angelo Stiller playing for Stuttgart
Which No. 6 Should Liverpool Sign?
Liverpool don’t necessarily need another midfielder simply for the sake of adding numbers. They need balance.
A natural defensive midfielder could allow Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and szoboszlai to play with greater freedom while providing more protection in front of the centre-backs.
Of these five, Lamine Camara would be my choice.
He has the defensive intensity, mobility and technical quality to fit Liverpool’s demands while still having significant room for development. Adam Wharton would be another excellent option, particularly if Liverpool want a midfielder who can dictate play from deep.
The ideal signing should not just win the ball.
He should win it, keep it and immediately help Liverpool attack again.
That is the type of No. 6 Liverpool need.
https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-contact-sign-next-big-thing?amp=1
