The next Fabinho is here, Liverpool have finally found his replacement
Julian Ward has a difficult job on his hands at Liverpool, but he could have found his perfect solution.
Having worked within the club's recruitment team for the last two years, he will have known just exactly what he is getting into.
Richard Hughes has received a lot of criticism for his work, and Ward will be aware of his predecessor's mistakes. There's no denying Hughes failed to make Liverpool a stronger team during his time at the club.
But there was also a long-term vision in place. Liverpool's mission isn't to immediately claw their way back to the top. The club understands that rebuilding takes time.
Ward will be granted that time, and he should be trusted to be a much more savvy recruiter and negotiators in comparison to Hughes.
Liverpool's next steps under Ward are clear
There are certain areas that have been identified as problematic for Ward and his department. Above all Liverpool need to resolve their issues at full-back where a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold is still required 18 months after his departure.
Milos Kerkez also needs competition in the left-back spot. Kostas Tsimikas just simply isn't at the level capable of pushing the Hungarian to greater heights.
There's also the midfield. Liverpool have options there but it is moot whether those are the right options for Andoni Iraola's style of play.
And there's no denying that just like with Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool still haven't really replace Fabinho. They need a dynamic defensive midfielder and the perfect solution has just emerged.
Arthur Avom is the next Fabinho, and Liverpool can sign him
The Cameroonian midfielder is exactly what Liverpool need. He plays in Ligue 1 as a holding midfielder and has caught the eye for Lorient.
This season, he ranks seventh among players in the league for possessions won (6.69 per 90 minutes).
Like Fabinho, who also arrived at Anfield from a Ligue 1 team, Avom is able to read the game brilliantly and he's capable of making a lot of key interceptions and recoveries for his side.
But he isn't one dimensional.
The 21-year-old Avom averages the fourth-most progressive passes among midfielders in Ligue 1 (9.48 per 90 minutes). He's very composed on the ball and is always looking to play it forward.
Like Fabinho, he's got that control and the ability to dictate matches.
Which is why we believe Liverpool should have found their Fabinho heir at last.
