Liverpool struggled mightily in the 2022/23 season, which meant a big summer transfer window awaited them.
The Reds made four signings in the window, and all four were midfielders. A number of club members would leave permanently or seek temporary football to increase their chances of playing at Anfield the following season.
Tyler Morton is one of the latter, having moved on loan to Hull City in the transfer window, and it’s fair to say the young midfielder has shone in those organ colours.
Tiger boss Liam Rosenior has gotten the best out of Morton so far in his career, and the boss has spoken proudly of the Englishman on several occasions.
Many didn’t expect a future for the Merseyside midfielder before this season, but Morton has proven he can do it at a good level, as his side look to claim a Championship playoff spot, but what does he offer his team?
Stand out defensively
Hull have featured two different types of formations this season. The 4231 was featured at one point, but the most common formation was a 442, with Morton sitting in the middle of the park.
Recently, he shared the midfield position with Jean Michael Seri who is on his left. Looking at the heatmaps of both, Seri has the creative freedom of both. Although Morton finds himself at the top of the field from time to time, his job is ultimately to defend.
The 21-year-old normally took up space on the right side of the pitch, stopping dangerous attacks from the opposition’s left winger and left-back. Then, when he gets the ball, he tries to find his attacking teammates to launch quick counterattacks.
This season, Morton is in the 85th percentile in blocks per 90 against midfielders, averaging 1.64. So, not only does he intercept the play and initiate these attacks, but he also strengthens his back four, making numerous counterattacks, whether on the outside right or in the middle, thus protecting his goal.
Eye for attack
One of the huge advantages of having Morton in your team is that when he is on the ball he is always on the lookout for a pass, and normally in the attacking phases.
In Hull’s last game, where they beat QPR 3-0, Morton attempted the most passes for the Tigers, with a success rate of 93%. This isn’t just a case of one game, as he sits in the 87th percentile for most passes attempted per 90, averaging 62.3.
However, these are normally not passes to simply continue to recycle the ball, but rather to start something new for one’s team in an offensive sense.
Morton operates in the defensive phases, but is always looking for attacks, very similar to someone like Rodri who also covers these defensive actions while continuing to look further down the pitch when he gets the ball.
Although Hull City currently sit 7th in the Championship table, it seems unlikely that they will make the playoffs at the end of the season, as they are 6 points behind Norwich, with a game in hand against the Canaries.
However, Morton has been a great player for Hull this season, and the loan has greatly benefited him and his career development.
With Liverpool’s current depth in midfield, it would have been difficult to challenge Morton’s place in the team for next season, but with his big spell in the Championship and with the arrival of a new manager at Anfield, the youngster has the opportunity to feature for the Reds next season.
