Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has claimed the club is desperately missing a midfielder of the caliber that Moises Caicedo has become at Chelsea. Speaking exclusively to Empire of the Kop on behalf of BetWright, Warnock pinpointed the holding midfield role as the area Liverpool must strengthen this summer, especially after another frustrating display against Chelsea at Anfield.
Caicedo dominated large spells of the 1-1 draw, while Liverpool looked vulnerable defensively and too passive without the ball. Warnock, who was full of praise for the Ecuador international, noted that Liverpool famously tried to sign Caicedo before Chelsea hijacked the move with a £115m offer in 2023.
“Holding midfield. They need someone who senses danger and someone physical in there,” Warnock explained. “The one player who was outstanding on the day was Moises Caicedo. Liverpool could do with him right now.”
The 44-year-old highlighted exactly why Caicedo impressed so much at Anfield: “He’s physically brilliant and he understands how to mop up and cover players.”
Caicedo’s performance underlined a growing issue in Arne Slot’s side this season. While Ryan Gravenberch has enjoyed excellent moments in the No. 6 role and was even praised recently by Caicedo himself, the Dutch midfielder often looks isolated when Liverpool lose control physically in matches. Warnock’s point wasn’t necessarily criticism of Gravenberch — instead, he suggested Liverpool lack a natural defensive midfielder capable of dominating transitions and protecting the back line consistently.
Caicedo’s numbers reflected that influence: he registered six tackles, won nine of his 14 ground duels, and was never dribbled past once (though one moment of grappling went unpunished).
The irony is that many Liverpool supporters previously felt missing out on the £111m move might have been a blessing. But after another passive performance where Chelsea looked stronger physically and tactically, that opinion is beginning to shift. Warnock summed it up: Liverpool now need someone “in that mould,” and right now, it’s difficult to argue otherwise.
