"Passing is excellent" - Little known midfielder Liverpool could sign in January to transform their season

Liverpool have been advised to explore a move for Udinese midfielder Lazar Samardzic in the January transfer window by a football analysis specialist.

The Reds have been rumoured to be interested in a plethora of midfielders over recent months, with the central area of the side having been through an injury crisis.

Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones have all suffered long-term injuries this season, with the former yet to make a senior appearance for Jurgen Klopp's side in 2022/23.

Elsewhere in midfield, James Milner is entering the last year of his contract at Liverpool.

As a result, the position has been viewed amongst Reds fans as a key area to strengthen in the transfer market. And it appears that the Liverpool hierarchy feels likewise, with the likes of Jude Bellingham and Moises Caicedo linked with moves to the club.

There is one player, however, that has not been heavily linked with the Reds - but could still be an exceptionally good option.

Lazar Samardzic - Liverpool's next midfield signing?

According to Alex Stewart of Analytics FC, a football analytics specialist company that is driven by data, Udinese midfielder Lazar Samardzic should be on Liverpool's shopping list.

He told iNews: "The former RB Leipzig player is positionally versatile and smart.

"His passing accuracy is excellent, and while he's not as good a player as Bellingham, he offers more in the way of goal threat and touches in the final third."

Samardzic may need to pass an age exception panel to receive a work permit, it is added, but this is an intriguing option that Liverpool could explore in January.

The German midfielder, who is 20 years of age, has played 11 times for Udinese in Serie A this season. He has two goals and one assist to his name.

Udinese started their campaign superbly, topping Serie A in October, but have since failed to win in their last five games.

In 2020, Football Elements described Samardzic as a 'cage midfielder', with 'quick footwork'.

In addition, he can operate in a defensive midfield role, and carry the ball further up the pitch if needed.

The German could be an ideal candidate for Klopp's pressing system at Liverpool - and would likely arrive cheaper than the £100m+ figure that would be likely to prize Bellingham away from Borussia Dortmund.