Liverpool conceded just 41 goals on their way to the Premier League title last season.
After just 15 matches, they’re 58.5% of the way to matching that haul this time around. It’s fair to say the Reds’ title defence has been abysmal. They’re failing to keep opponents out. The capitulation against Leeds leaves them 10 points behind league leaders Arsenal.
In this article, we’ll cover:
Mohamed Salah’s post-match outburst at Elland Road hogged the headlines. However, a 3-3 draw in Yorkshire magnified Liverpool’s ongoing defensive shortcomings. The summer splurge was great on paper. The signings of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike caught the eye.
Liverpool need to fix leaky defence
Conversely, Liverpool were left a little top heavy. They didn’t necessarily neglect the defence, adding Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Giovanni Leoni. Arne Slot’s side, though, remain incredibly open. They just don’t have the requisite midfielder to help protect the backline.
Dabble sign-up offer: Bet £10+ & Receive £10 In Free Bets
Not signed up to Dabble yet? Here's how to claim the Bet £10+ & Receive £10 In Free Bets welcome offer:
- Sign up to Dabble through this link
- Register your account with accurate personal details
- Place your first bet of £10 or more
- Receive your £10 in free bets when your qualifying bet has setted
- Use your Free Bet on any eligible sportsbook market within 7 days
#AD 18+ 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. GambleAware.org
As such, shots conceded per 90 have increased from 10.2 to 11.1. Goals conceded per game have gone from 1.08 to 1.6. A ball-winner to shield the defence would help bring those numbers down. And with the January window fast approaching, Liverpool have the ideal midfielder in their sights.
Ederson has been shining for Atalanta for the last couple of years. The Brazilian really broke onto the scene for the 2023-24 season. Since then, his stock has continued to rise. Unsurprisingly, Liverpool are taking a look at the Atalanta star. It’s not the first time the Reds have been credited with an interest in the 26-year-old. January is as good a time as any to follow up on said interest.
How does Ederson compare to Liverpool midfielders?
Importantly, Ederson offers plenty on and off the ball that would benefit Liverpool. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are a different profile of midfielder to the Brazilian, who would be prepared to carry out the nitty gritty duties in the middle of the park. Indeed, Ederson is making more tackles per 90 (2.3) than the current Reds pair (both 1.7).
Ederson also pips the pair for ball recoveries per 90 (6), though does fall short for interceptions per 90 (0.6). That said, Ederson’s reading of the game isn’t what stands out. Rather, he is willing to get stuck in to rob opponents of the ball. And while Atalanta are enduring a tumultuous season following Gian Piero Gasperini’s exit for Roma, the Brazil international is doing all he can to aid La Dea.
And when he does win the ball, the Liverpool target is a handy distributor. Again, he ranks better for both passes per 90 (64.5) and pass accuracy (90.64%) than the Reds duo. Ederson isn’t he most glamourous of footballers, but he carries out the responsibilities of a ball winner to the highest standard.
In addition, it’s these traits that Atalanta need their star midfielder to bring to the fore when they face Chelsea in midweek. The Blues travel to Bergamo on a three-game winless run following Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Bournemouth. However, head coach Enzo Maresca is able to call upon Moises Caicedo.
Ederson set for Champions League showdown with Caicedo
The Ecuador international has missed the last two matches owing to a ban but is set to start at Atalanta on Tuesday night. It makes for a key clash in the middle of the park as Atalanta and Chelsea battle for midfield superiority. Caicedo fluffed his lines in his last major battle, seeing red against Arsenal last month.
However, he’ll hope to make amends in Italy in midweek. The Chelsea star has been as combative as ever in the Champions League this season. He’s making 2.7 tackles per 90 and winning 3.9 ground duels per 90. Ederson, though, trumps Caicedo for both metrics (3.2 and 6.7, respectively). Has the 24-year-old finally met his match?
Liverpool, after all, were briefly in for Caicedo before he completed his record-breaking move to Chelsea in 2023. The Reds will certainly watch Atalanta’s meeting with Chelsea with intrigue as they consider a January move for the former Salernitana man.
It is a midfield battle that holds significant importance. Atalanta are level with Chelsea on 10 points in the league phase of the Champions League. Victory for either side would see them take a substantial step towards the knockout phase. Liverpool, meanwhile, may just see Ederson come up trumps in this midfield showdown.
A poor performance will hardly derail a potential move to Anfield. Conversely, a star showing against the Blues works in Ederson’s favour. Dominate Caicedo, and the Reds will feel they have found their shiny new midfielder to kick off 2026 on a high.