James McConnell

McConnell used to play further forward before Liverpool needed a specialist holding midfielder and asked him to adapt, a switch he made without ever looking like a player out of position. He screens the back four by reading the game a step ahead, cutting out a pass rather than making a last ditch challenge once danger has arrived. That positional intelligence makes a repositioned attacking midfielder look entirely natural sitting deep.

McConnell progressed through Liverpool's academy after arriving from another club as a youngster, working his way up through every youth level before senior opportunities finally arrived. Learning a new position while also trying to establish himself in a Premier League squad is a difficult combination, and there will be growing pains along the way. Watch how he handles games against sides that press him high up the pitch, because that examines his new position most.