Improving the defensive side of the team should be one of Andoni Iraola’s first priorities after he completed a move to Liverpool to replace Arne Slot in the dugout at Anfield.
The Reds finished fifth in the Premier League last season, securing Champions League football thanks to the expansion of the competition in recent years, and conceded 53 goals in 38 games.
They conceded 26 more goals than Arsenal and 18 more goals than Manchester City, the two teams who finished first and second, which shows how far they were off the top teams from a defensive perspective.
Whilst the back four have to take their share of the blame, the midfield was too open at times and looked to be lacking a natural defensive midfielder to plug gaps in the middle of the park.
As good as Ryan Gravenberch is, the Netherlands international is not a natural number six and looks more effective in a box-to-box role for the Reds.
Liverpool are in talks to sign LaLiga star
The Dutch ace, who scored five goals and provided three assists in the Premier League last season, could be freed up to play further up the pitch if the club bring in a natural defensive midfielder.
Now, the Merseyside outfit are reportedly looking at a number six who could come in as a better option than Gravenberch in that role, allowing him to play as a number eight instead.
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are one of a number of teams interested in a deal to sign Eduardo Camavinga from Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Reds have been in talks with the LaLiga outfit over the phone to discuss a potential move for the France international ahead of next season.
It adds, though, that Manchester United, Juventus, and Chelsea have also had calls with Real over a deal for the left-footed star, which means that there will be fierce competition for his signature.
SPORT reveals that Real are expecting bids to arrive at their door in the coming weeks, and that they are prepared to listen to offers of around £52m or higher.
Why Eduardo Camavinga would be better than Ryan Gravenberch for Liverpool
Iraola could look to address the defensive issues in the team from last season by signing Camavinga as an upgrade on Gravenberch in the number six position.
The French star is a natural defender who likes to get stuck in with challenges to help his side out off the ball, whilst the Dutchman’s game is more about how he moves with the ball and evades pressure in build-up.
Their respective defensive numbers at league level in the 2025/26 campaign suggest that Liverpool would be more effective out of possession with Camavinga in their side as the holding midfielder for Iraola.
25/26 *per 90
Camavinga (LaLiga)
Gravenberch (PL)
Tackles*
3.83
1.77
Blocked shots*
0.65
0.36
Ball recoveries*
4.95
3.85
Duels won*
7.02
4.81
Duel success rate
63%
56%
Dispossessed*
0.53x
0.78x
Goals conceded whilst on pitch*
0.94
1.26
The £52m-rated star only started 16 of his 29 appearances in LaLiga for Real, because of the high-level of competition at the Spanish side, but his per 90 statistics were very impressive.
Camavinga’s form in LaLiga suggests that the Reds would concede fewer goals because he makes more tackles and wins more duels, whilst doing so more efficiently.
Described as “one of the best 6s in world football” by football writer Harvey Diamonds, it’s no surprise to see that he cuts out opposition attacks more frequently than Gravenberch does, which gives his goalkeeper and defence less to do, and that is why he would improve Iraola’s side from a defensive perspective.
The fact that he was dispossessed less per 90 at league level last term also shows that he could be a reliable number six for Liverpool, as he is less likely to give the ball away around his own box.
Despite being 23, Camavinga would also arrive at Anfield as a player who would not be overawed by the pressure and expectation that comes with playing for the club, because he is already a vastly experienced player.
The Real star has played 223 times for the Spanish giants, including 56 games in the Champions League, and won two LaLiga titles and two Champions League trophies in that time.
He could be the perfect signing for Iraola, therefore, to come in as an upgrade on Gravenberch as a natural number six option to improve the team’s defensive record for the next Premier League season.
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