Liverpool has reportedly made Adam Wharton their top midfield transfer target for the summer, possibly reflecting lessons learned from England’s World Cup failure. Wharton has excelled at Crystal Palace over the past few years, showcasing his ability as an intelligent, ball-playing midfielder capable of dictating game tempo and providing composure in the midfield.

The urgency for a player like Wharton stems from England's shortcomings during the World Cup, particularly highlighted in their semi-final clash against Argentina. The match exposed the lack of control in England's midfield, an area where Wharton could have made a significant impact.

According to Football Transfers, Liverpool is now prioritizing Wharton after deciding against pursuing Joao Gomes from Wolves. While some may find it surprising that a top club like Liverpool is focusing on a player who did not make the World Cup squad, this may actually underline the potential value of overlooked talents like Wharton. He is often compared to Michael Carrick, known for his understated yet crucial contributions to club success without securing a consistent spot in the national team.

Having a player of Wharton's caliber could benefit Liverpool, reminiscent of past midfield greats like Xabi Alonso and Fabinho. Additionally, a move to Liverpool could enhance Wharton's chances of breaking into the England squad, where he has only four caps to date. His contributions have been vital in Palace’s recent FA Cup and Europa Conference League successes, and many believe he would have offered a much-needed option off the bench against Argentina, potentially altering the game's outcome when England lost control.