​Liverpool have begun the Andoni Iraola era with lively movement at the back and in attack, yet the area that still feels unfinished is the midfield. That is why the latest remarks from Robert Huth, given to Empire of the Kop, carry a certain weight. When a former Premier League winner identifies a player as a natural fit for the demands of this new setup, it deserves attention. The player in question is Felix Nmecha, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder who has already been tied to Liverpool, as well as the two Manchester clubs. Huth presents a clear and persuasive case. “Felix Nmecha was one of the players that stood out in the German team. He performed well; he kept winning the ball. I think he would suit Liverpool with Iraola as manager. I know how he likes the fast-flowing football, the quick turnaround, and winning the ball high. Nmecha’s been doing that in the World Cup, so whether they go for it or not, who knows, but he certainly has a good ability.”
Here is where the discussion becomes more intriguing. Iraola’s football philosophy demands athleticism, aggression, and clarity. Midfielders in his system cannot drift through matches; they must anticipate danger early, sprint forward swiftly, and suffocate opponents before attacks can develop. If Liverpool are to fully adopt this approach, they need at least one midfielder with a genuine appetite for high-pressing and winning back possession high up the pitch. Nmecha appears to be that kind of footballer. His numbers from the 2025/26 season support the idea that he can hunt the ball down and disrupt opponents before they settle. Averaging 4.49 ball recoveries per Bundesliga match and posting strong metrics for regaining possession in the final third suggests a player who reads pressing triggers well and has the stamina to act on them.
There is another reason the link makes sense. Liverpool already have technicians in midfield. Ryan Gravenberch can drive with the ball and break lines, while Alexis Mac Allister can dictate rhythm and bring composure in possession. What the side sometimes lacks is a touch of steel—a midfielder who allows the others to play by doing some of the less glamorous work. Nmecha is not a classic number six, and that distinction matters. Liverpool aren’t necessarily seeking another static anchor. They want mobility, pressure, and support around the ball. In that sense, the Dortmund man could provide balance rather than simply filling a spot on the squad sheet.
Of course, all of this comes with a price. Reports have suggested Nmecha carries an €80m, £68.2m release clause that activates next year, while Dortmund could seek around €100m, £85.3m, this summer. That is a significant outlay for a midfielder who, while talented, has yet to reach the level of guaranteed elite certainty. That is precisely where Liverpool’s recruitment team earns its keep. They must decide whether this represents the right profile at the wrong price, or if there are alternate avenues that deliver similar benefits without overspending. The decision will hinge on whether Nmecha’s profile aligns with Iraola’s demands and whether his price tag reflects true value rather than inflated potential.