Ask a Liverpool fan which position requires urgent attention in the Transfer Market, chances are the answer will be the No6 position despite the rapid emergence of Ryan Gravenberch.
The next position that needs attention is left-back. The current position holder is not getting any younger at the age of 30.
It is clear to see that playing two matches a week takes its toll on Andy Robertson. It is a testament to his playing style of rampaging up and down that left flank. Having said this, as a senior squad member, Robertson still has a lot to offer behind the scenes and can still be an important player in one off games.
Robertson would make an excellent squad player. Kostas Tsimikas has shown more consistent form this season but still not hitting the heights of a prime Robertson.
We decided to put ourselves in the shoes of Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards and scour the European Market for the next Robertson.
We implemented a filter to ensure that we got a left-back that plays in the top leagues and is younger than 24 years old. Moneyball strategy being front and centre here as I wanted a player who is seasoned and not someone who has been in and out of the team.
Consistent appearances for their club is necessary to ensure we obtain a player that is experienced but yet to hit their prime. The last part of the criteria covers off their contribution to the team.
The final criteria we look at player stats, the primary measure is the number of clean sheets that they have contributed to and the secondary measure is the number of assists and goals they have got to make an impact on the attacking aspect.
A final nice to have is recognition from your home nation. We also take into consideration players that have played for their respective Country.
The criteria produces an abundance of talent. There are the top fullbacks already established and therefore can be considered out of reach due to the expected cost.
The first two on the list were Nuno Mendes of PSG and Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich. The huge transfer fee aside, these players would already be on huge pay deals and wouldn’t want a pay cut. The aim here in true Moneyball ethos is to unearth the next best left back in the world.
MIlos Kerkez
The Bournemouth defender statistically shines amongst his peers. At the age of 21, his statistics are amongst the more seasoned players at the age of 24 indicating that he has a higher ceiling.
He has represented his country Hungary, 21 times despite being born in Serbia. Kerkez revealed that he wanted to play for his father’s home country.
Bournemouth are exceeding expectations as they lie 6th in the Premier League table at the time of writing. Kerkez provided 2 assists v Man City earning him MoTM.
Destiny Udogie
Another 21 year-old Premier League player that has been picked up by the screen. What the screen does not pick up though is a players mentality and attitude.
When researching the player in a bit more detail his recent game against Nottingham Forest didn’t go down well with fans.
Looking at his overall career to date particularly in Serie A, he is very much established and looks like a threat going forward rather than being defensively sound. His international career is just getting started with him making 6 appearances as a substitute.
Rayan Aït-Nouri
A more established Premier League candidate from Wolverhampton Wanderers here. Wolves have built a reputation of finding talent and selling on for a premium.
Other examples include Diogo Jota, and Matheus Nunes. Alt-Nouri at the age of 23, has 115 premier league appearances under his belt.
You can consider Alt-Nouri an established Premier League player with still his best years ahead of him. He stands out amongst his peers due to his contribution in the final third with 10 goals and 15 assists during his 8 year career.
There might be questions around his defensive game but a more balanced team may provide Alt-Nouri with a better platform to contribute even more effective at both ends of the pitch.
Luca Netz
The first of our non Premier League candidates. Luca Netz plays for German side Borussia Monchengladbach.
At a young age of 21 he has made well over 100 appearances with half of those appearances as a Left Midfielder.
He stands out due to his Goals and Assists contribution with 12 goals and 26 assists. He has also played as a centre-back as well which shows promise for Arne Slot’s coaching to mould Netz in any way Liverpool would require.
Netz has yet to make an appearance for his national side. That can be put into context in that Germany are not shy in choice of Left Backs available to them. Netz has made appearances for the u21’s and u17’s.
Owen Wijndal
The Ajax left-back turned 25 on 28th November so technically should not be in the list but Andy Robertson was signed as a 25 year old.
So we will let that slide and again Wijndal stands out due to his assist numbers. He has 27 assists in his 7 year playing career at AZ Alkmaar which reflects that Wijndal is a veteran at the of 25.
The clean sheet statistics reflect well in his established career. It is fair to say that Wijndal would offer a solid replacement for the next 5 years.
Statistics gathered from transfermarkt.co.uk and footystats.org