Over the summer, when Liverpool brought in Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo, there was not much talk of who was still here in midfield.
The expansive midfield revamp has been a huge success as the new boys have all had moments of brilliance with some becoming stars instantly. However, despite some big names leaving over the summer, there were still some players that stayed that have made impacts this season.
Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Stefan Bajčetić are all still seen as long-term pieces to the puzzle. I'm going to examine what roles they could have now and going forward.
Curtis Jones
Jones has been in sparkling form in recent months and he has seemingly grabbed hold of one of the precious Starting XI spots in midfield for the time being.
Injuries to to various starters throughout the season has meant he has not yearned for playing time. He is playing with a confidence we have never seen before. Over the summer I wrote a piece on him taking his game to the next level following last season's goal scoring exploits, and he has.
Projecting forward, I still think Jurgen Klopp and his staff view Szoboszlai and Mac Allister as long-term stalwarts. This means Jones could battle Gravenberch and Endo for the final spot now and in future seasons.
Either way, he has become an integral part of the setup and should continue to see plenty of chances if he keeps growing his game.
Harvey Elliott
There are few players in this Liverpool squad that can match the passion and energy that Elliott brings to the field every single time.
It's clear the love he has for the club and his fearlessness on the pitch is a key to his game. He has become one of the Reds most progressive players as he is always trying to drive the lads forward.
He is not afraid to rip shots from distance, attempt daring through balls and more. He brings a dynamic to the side that few others do. His versatility has also been a boost as he can play on the wing, in the No. 10 hole and as an 8.
However, still only 20, he leaves a bit to be desired defensively. Yet, as we look ahead to the future, it is not inconceivable that he will become one of the Liverpool's best creators on a regular basis.
A super-sub hybrid role is what probably awaits in his future if all works out for every player, but he should still make plenty of impactful plays.
Stefan Bajčetić
The young Spaniard burst onto the Liverpool scene this time last season. The club was ravaged by injuries and he was thrust into a starting role.
He definitely took advantage of it and showed his high-end potential. Unfortunately, injuries have wrecked this campaign for him, but the club still clearly values him. I still see him as a long-term solution to the defensive midfield role.
For now, Endo has been in superb form in that role and has made it his own. But the Japan Captain is almost 31 and probably only has a few years left at the top of his game.
Seeing Bajcetic grow under his tutelage could be something to see. Both players are not afraid to get stuck in a tackle and they read the game so well, Stefan particularly well for his age.
I think his passing range already surpasses what Endo can bring so going forward he might play a more aggressive form of No. 6. If he can get fit and stay fit, Liverpool should have a very, very good player on their hands that can anchor the midfield for a decade.