Liverpool unleash new plan after Jurgen Klopp transfer stance betrayed by record bid
Of all the elements that have characterised Liverpool's midfield overhaul this season, the change of approach around their No.6 has been the most dramatic from Jurgen Klopp.
Having had Fabinho patrol the engine room for five, trophy-laden years at Anfield, the sudden and unexpected sale to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad in the summer forced a transition.
Or, perhaps more specifically, the inability to replace the Brazilian with a player of a similar skillset was what really led to an enforced tactical adjustment by Klopp and his backroom staff.
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Having sold Fabinho, a player who had questions marks around his long-term form for some time, for around £40m, the opportunity to bring in a like-for-like was one that was not taken by Liverpool's recruitment department. Names like Cheick Doucoure at Crystal Palace, Benfica's Florentino Luis and even Manchester City man Kalvin Phillips were all on the rumour mill at the time.
Speaking in his Friday press conference, Klopp insisted that his current midfield blend does not particularly need a specialist destroyer to be a successful one, suggesting that while Alexis Mac Allister - the current incumbent at No.6 - is not a natural as far as the traditional thinking around the role goes, the World Cup-winning Argentina international more than makes up for it with his in-game intelligence.
"I understand that from the outside world it is always about how is a player in this position but in the end it is all about how the whole team is set up," Klopp said before Saturday's 1-1 draw with Manchester City. "So is Macca a
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