Why Liverpool should prioritise signing Ederson ahead of teammate Koopmeiners
Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a summer move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, according to Tuttosport, as the Reds look to bolster their options in the centre.
Reports over the past weeks linked Liverpool to his midfield partner Teun Koopmeiners, who worked with Arne Slot at AZ Alkmaar, but it appears the Reds are now showing interest in Ederson.
Liverpool need a defensive midfield specialist. The Merseyside club has only one on their books (Wataru Endo), meaning Alexis Mac Allister has had to drop deep to cover for the Japanese international.
Signing a new defensive midfielder should be a priority for sporting director Richard Hughes this summer, and the club would be wise to secure a deal for Ederson before thinking of a move for Koopmeiners.
The Brazilian is a relentless destroyer who thrives on breaking up opposition attacks by any means.
He wins 1.08 aerial duels per 90, placing him in the 65th percentile for midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues. His tackling (2.32 per game, 72nd percentile) and interception (1.40 per game, 85th percentile) are stellar.
He has an inexhaustible engine, running at the same intensity for the 90 minutes of a game.
Ederson makes 1.43 blocks per 90 (72nd percentile) and wins the ball 5.1 times per game, establishing himself as one of Serie A’s best defensive midfielders.
Liverpool sent scouts to watch him in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen. They must have been impressed.
Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini used him to man-mark Leverkusen’s Granit Xhaka, and it worked to a tee.
The former Salernitana midfielder won eight of his 12 duels, putting in a tireless effort.
Ederson did not allow the Swiss metronome any space to operate, stifling him and helping his side clinch their first title under Gasperini.
He is the perfect foil for the more attack-minded Koopmeiners, and Liverpool need to secure his signature ahead of the Dutchman’s.
The Reds already have Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, Harvey Elliott, and Dominick Szboboszlai in the central midfield slot.
They don’t desperately need another midfielder of that profile. Signing a defensive midfielder to play deeper and shield the backline is the more pressing issue.
Ederson’s arrival at Anfield can provide much-needed steel for Slot’s side next season. His ability to win the ball, break up play, and stifle opposition will allow Liverpool’s more attacking midfielders to flourish.
With several talented options at Slot’s disposal, adding Ederson would create a well-rounded midfield capable of dominating possession and still protecting their defence.