6 under-the-radar defensive midfielders that Liverpool could sign in January

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It’s clear that Jordan Henderson is a big problem for Liveropool, and that they should sign a defensive midfielder in January, but who would that be?

Liverpool have Naby Keita arriving in the summer, but he’s a box-to-box dynamo that needs someone behind him to act as a shield. All of Liverpool’s midfielders do, in truth, but Keita is so special and will be so expensive that to bring him in without a proper defensive midfielder in place would be criminal.

So who could Liverpool sign? Well considering that elite players don’t tend to move in January (nor to Liverpool) here are six under-the-radar defensive midfielders who could excel for the Reds.

Statistically we’re looking at tackles and interceptions completed in the middle of the pitch (between the two boxes) as a pure defender is what Liverpool desperately need.

Bruno Zuculini of Hellas Verona.

Bruno Zuculini

This 24 year-old Argentine has played for Manchester City and Middlesbrough. He’s won 17 tackles (at 68% success) and made 14 interceptions for fair Verona so far this season.

Jean-Eudes Aholou

Aholu is a 23 year-old Ivorian defensive midfielder who plays for Strasbourg in Ligue 1. He’s won 45% of his tackles and more impressively has completed 24 interceptions.

Thomas Mangani

Liverpool may need immediate production and 30 year-old Mangani can provide that. The Angers man has won 19/25 tackles (76%) and made 4 interceptions.

SPAL’s Federico Viviani.

Federico Viviani

SPAL have been a sensation this season and Federico Viviani is a big reason why. He’s on loan from Verona but Liverpool would be able to break that with a bit of financial power. He’s made 23 interceptions and won 12/16 tackles (75%).

Josuha Guilovogui

This towering Frenchman is a rock-solid stopper in the heart of midfield. He’d cost the most, but not too much that Liverpool wouldn’t benefit, especially with 11/15 tackles won (73%) and 19 interceptions.

Joshua Guilavogui of VfL Wolfsburg is something of a fighter.

André Zambo Anguissa

The 22 year-old Cameroon international is currently playing for Marseille having come through the ranks there. He’s a solid force in midfield, making 9 interceptions and winning an impressive 16/20 tackles for an 80% success rate. He could truly liberate the attacking talents of Liverpool.