Stephen Warnock has sparked fresh debate about Liverpool's midfield setup, suggesting the Reds are still feeling the absence of a player like Moises Caicedo—the very midfielder they famously missed out on in a blockbuster £111m transfer battle with Chelsea.
Speaking exclusively to Empire of the Kop on behalf of BetWright, the former Liverpool defender didn't hold back. He believes the Ecuadorian dynamo would walk into Arne Slot's current side and solve a growing problem at the heart of the pitch. "Holding midfield," Warnock said bluntly. "They need someone who senses danger and someone physical in there."
The comments come fresh off a frustrating 1-1 draw at Anfield, where Caicedo dominated large stretches of the match. While Liverpool looked vulnerable defensively and too passive without the ball, the Chelsea star was a relentless presence, breaking up play and dictating transitions. "The one player who was outstanding on the day was Moises Caicedo," Warnock added. "Liverpool could do with him right now."
It's a familiar sting for Liverpool fans. The Reds had the Ecuador international in their sights back in 2023, only for Chelsea to hijack the move with a staggering £115m offer. Since then, Caicedo has blossomed into one of the Premier League's most commanding midfield enforcers—a player who "understands how to mop up and cover players," as Warnock put it.
Ryan Gravenberch has had his moments in the No. 6 role this season, even earning praise from Caicedo himself recently. But the Dutch midfielder often looks isolated when Liverpool lose control physically in matches. Warnock's point wasn't a knock on Gravenberch—it was about a deeper issue. Liverpool lack a natural defensive midfielder who can dominate transitions and protect the back line with consistency.
Caicedo's numbers against Liverpool told the story: relentless tackling, smart positioning, and a physical edge that kept the Reds on the back foot. For a team chasing silverware under Slot, Warnock's warning is clear—the midfield puzzle still has a missing piece.