Uncovering Football’s Next Midfield Anchor: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

Searching for Liverpool’s Next Midfield Anchor: Who Could Succeed Fabinho?

Fabinho has been a pivotal figure in Liverpool’s recent era of success, anchoring the midfield and playing a leading role in the club’s Champions League and Premier League triumphs. As the Brazilian nears his thirties, thoughts naturally turn to the future—and the need to identify a long-term successor who can learn from Fabinho, then eventually make the role their own. Following Liverpool’s pragmatic approach of integrating fresh, young talents such as Luis Díaz, the time is ripe to scout for a midfielder who can thrive at the core of Jurgen Klopp’s system.

What Defines Liverpool’s Midfield Anchor?

Identifying a true Fabinho heir requires understanding the unique demands of Klopp’s tactical setup. Fabinho acts as the quintessential ‘anchor’—a disciplined, positionally astute midfielder who sits deep, screens the defence, and provides a secure platform for teammates to take creative risks. Unlike traditional “destroyers” or deep-lying playmakers, the Liverpool anchor focuses more on reading play, maintaining centrality, and providing quick, accurate distribution.

In possession, Fabinho is often the diamond’s tip in Liverpool’s build-up—a readily available outlet who can recycle possession or switch the play with his extensive passing range. Out of possession, he rarely pushes up, instead shuffling laterally, intercepting threats before they develop, and organizing the midfield’s structure.

To match Fabinho’s profile, the next Liverpool midfielder should demonstrate:
– Tactical intelligence and elite positional sense
– Consistency in holding central and defensive zones
– Strong anticipation, pressing, and ball-winning ability
– Proficiency with short and long-range passing
– The physical endurance to excel in Klopp’s high-octane, pressing system

Ideally, Liverpool should target a player under 26, ensuring there is sufficient time to adapt, develop, and establish a legacy in the heart of the team.

Top Contenders to Succeed Fabinho

Let’s evaluate five of the most promising midfield candidates who could step into Fabinho’s shoes at Anfield:

Boubacar Kamara: The French Shield Poised for a Step Up

At just 22, Boubacar Kamara has already amassed four seasons with 2,000+ Ligue 1 minutes for Marseille, underlining his exceptional consistency and maturity. Starting his career as a centre-back before transitioning to defensive midfield, Kamara mirrors Fabinho’s own positional evolution, bringing a defender’s awareness to his anchoring role.

Kamara’s standout attributes include:
– Occupying spaces between the opposition’s midfield and attack, dictating play from deep
– Excellent passing ability, with a completion rate reaching 90% and a long-pass success rate over 77%
– Aggressive forward distribution, initiating wide attacks and bypassing opposition presses
– High anticipation and pressing metrics, winning 41.3% of his tackles and nearly 40% of pressure attempts—better than Fabinho in both

Having already thrived in a midfield three, Kamara fits the tactical mold Liverpool requires. If he further hones his positioning and aerial strength—with guidance from Fabinho—he could be a transformative, low-cost signing, particularly if acquired as a free agent.

Edson Álvarez: Ajax’s Linchpin and Set-Piece Specialist

Mexican international Edson Álvarez, a mainstay in Ajax’s dynamic system, has quietly earned a reputation as a reliable protector of the back four. His profile boasts:
– Strong aerial prowess, standing at 6’1” and winning nearly 70% of aerial duels, placing him among the elite in his role
– Reliable tackling, averaging 1.9 per 90 in Eredivisie and 2.7 in the UEFA Champions League, demonstrating big-game composure
– Tactical discipline, holding central zones, stemming counter-attacks, and rarely vacating his defensive post
– Experience in a possession-oriented 4-3-3, which would ease his transition to Liverpool’s system

With his positional nous and international pedigree, Álvarez represents a smart, ready-made option for Liverpool’s midfield core.

Yves Bissouma: Premier League Proven and Press-Resistant

Brighton’s Yves Bissouma has cemented his status as one of the Premier League’s top defensive midfielders. His strengths include:
– Tactical fluidity: adept at both box-to-box and holding roles, playing alongside other energetic midfielders
– High-impact defensive numbers: a tackle success rate of 56.7% and pressure success of 37%, while ranking among the top for tackles plus interceptions (5.75 per 90)
– Improving distribution: nailing 82.4% of long passes—among the top ten in the league, even outpacing Thiago and Declan Rice
– Suitability for high-pressing, possession-based teams

With his contract nearing expiration, Bissouma could be available at a reasonable fee and bring immediate, top-flight experience to Liverpool’s midfield.

Pablo Rosario: Emerging Ligue 1 Talent With Room to Grow

Towering at 6’2”, Pablo Rosario of Nice combines size, composure, and technical finesse. Having forged a key partnership in Nice’s midfield, Rosario brings:
– An 87.8% overall passing success rate and over 77% completion on long balls, driving wide attacks effectively
– Willingness to hunt for space and maintain central discipline alongside more mobile partners
– Regular defensive contributions, racking up 4.10 tackles plus interceptions per 90

Although at 25 he may require another step in his development before a push to the Premier League, Rosario offers an intriguing, versatile profile that could flourish under Klopp’s tutelage.

Wilfred Ndidi: The Established Premier League Destroyer

Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, nicknamed ‘The Spider’, is famed for his reach and ball-winning prowess. Over five seasons, he has consistently led the league’s defensive statistics, replacing N’Golo Kanté at Leicester with distinction. Key traits include:
– Exceptional tackling and pressure application, routinely among the division’s best
– Outstanding anticipation and ground coverage
– Five years of top-level Premier League experience

However, Ndidi’s distribution lags behind the other candidates (82.4% overall pass completion; 64.4% long passing), with a lower number of progressive carries each match. While his defensive skillset would instantly solidify Liverpool’s midfield, his lack of playmaking ability would require adaptation and development in Liverpool’s system.

Final Analysis: Who Stands Out as Fabinho’s Successor?

All five candidates offer unique strengths. Yet Boubacar Kamara stands out as the most complete long-term option. At 22, he combines robust anticipation, high-level passing, and the versatility to cover both midfield and defence—mirroring Fabinho’s journey at Liverpool. With his contract expiring, Kamara is a financially savvy choice who can grow alongside and eventually inherit the midfield anchor role under Klopp.

While both Yves Bissouma and Wilfred Ndidi bring proven defensive mettle and Premier League familiarity, Kamara’s all-around game, positional intelligence, and youthful potential make him stand above the rest as Liverpool’s ideal candidate to carry their midfield legacy forward.

Summary Table: Top Fabinho Successor Candidates

Looking Ahead

Securing a player with Fabinho’s rare combination of physical, mental, and technical qualities is a challenge for any recruitment team. Yet with young, high-ceiling talents such as Boubacar Kamara on the market, Liverpool have the chance to future-proof their midfield and continue their tradition of smart, forward-thinking signings for years to come.