As the January window begins to approach, Liverpool look badly in need of someone extra.
The Reds should have been well prepared for the season’s tribulations having spent more than £400m over the summer.
However, Arne Slot has so far struggled to fit his new pieces together, leading to a disjointed and at times terrible start to the campaign for Liverpool.
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As supporters debate what is missing from the Liverpool squad, transfer links to Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo have persisted.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Liverpool’s interest in Semenyo, and fans are getting excited at the prospect of the explosive Ghanaian arriving at Anfield.
But as much as Semenyo may be a good addition, it is arguable whether he is a necessary one. Instead, Slot would be wise to beef up his midfield options when January comes around. And after links to AZ Alkmaar wonderkid Kees Smit appeared on Sunday, it seems the Reds may be about to do that.
Photo by Ed van de Pol/BSR Agency/Getty ImagesKees Smit is a more exciting target than Antoine Semenyo
As he is an attacking player with goal-scoring capability, it makes sense that fans would be clamouring to see Semenyo at Anfield.
However, it is tricky to get overly excited about a player who – with the greatest of respect – was playing for Bristol City less than three years ago.
Since then Semenyo has taken big strides, but he is not a player who will move the dial at Liverpool. They have plenty of attacking talents already and the 25-year-old is not an improvement on those.
Smit on the other hand, is a player who could make a tangible difference to Liverpool. The 19-year-old could add another option to Slot’s midfield and ensure Ryan Gravenberch has an able deputy.
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Gravenberch’s form has been up and down recently, and having a player like Smit to take the heat off him in certain games could preserve his best for later in the season.
In time, the Dutchman could also grow to become a regular starter in Liverpool’s midfield. Having made 50 appearances for AZ already, Smit clearly has the potential to do that.
So, while Semenyo could add a little extra oomoh to Liverpool’s attack, the Reds’ long-term goals would feel like they’ve got a little closer with Smit in the side.
Smit is the ideal new midfielder for Liverpool
Some supporters may argue that Liverpool are well-stocked in midfield and do not need to add another player who will not be starting on a regular basis.
However, Slot’s overuse of Gravenberch shows that he clearly does not trust any of his players to do what the 23-year-old does.
Who is Kees Smit? Name: Kees SmitAge: 19Club: AZ AlkmaarPosition: Central midfield/Defensive midfieldSenior appearances: 50Senior goals: 4Nationality: Dutch
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Liverpool do not need another starting midfielder. Between Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones and even Florian Wirtz they have what they need in that respect. But Slot likes to have two players for every position, and they are currently one short.
Stefan Bajcetic could return to have an impact this season, but the Spaniard’s injury troubles make him something of a gamble.
Smit would not be hugely expensive for Liverpool, and as he is still yet to turn 20, he would surely be happy with a role of playing understudy to his countryman Gravenberch.
In short, Smit ticks just about every box for what the Reds need right now. If that isn’t getting fans excited, then not much will.