Liverpool’s pursuit of midfield reinforcements has taken an intriguing flip, with Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace rising as a possible goal. Nonetheless, as mentioned on the Anfield Index podcast by Dave Davis and Dr Phil Barter, doubts stay over Wharton’s damage document and his means to adapt to Liverpool’s high-tempo type. In actual fact, Dr Phil Barter made it clear that he would like Carlos Baleba from Brighton over the Palace man.
Wharton’s Damage Woes and Liverpool’s Considerations
One of many main sticking factors surrounding Adam Wharton’s potential transfer to Liverpool is his worrying damage document. As Dr Phil Barter bluntly identified, “He’s solely acquired 800 minutes this season… he’s going to be fortunate to clock in wherever close to 1,500.” For a membership like Liverpool, the place sturdiness and availability are important traits, it is a obtrusive concern.
Through the podcast, Barter emphasised that Wharton has by no means performed over 2,000 minutes in a season regardless of being knowledgeable for six years. This poses a major threat for a Liverpool aspect aiming to rebuild its midfield depth and consistency. As Barter put it, “That will be a priority – not a stretch – however you’d must take that into consideration.”
Lack of Attacking Output and the Palace Issue
One other level of rivalry is Wharton’s restricted attacking contribution from midfield. Whereas he did present some attacking promise throughout his time at Blackburn, registering a objectives and assists price of 0.7 per 90 minutes, his numbers at Palace have been far much less spectacular. As Barter noticed, “He’s taking part in on the base of midfield… Palace don’t have plenty of the ball or alternative to do actually fancy attacking stuff.”
Liverpool’s present system below Arne Slot calls for midfielders who can break traces, progress the ball, and preserve excessive passing accuracy. But Wharton’s passing completion price of simply 77% is beneath the required customary. As Barter famous, “We solely ask for mid-80s as our field customary… 77% is pretty low from midfield.”
Given Liverpool’s want for a dynamic and dependable presence within the centre of the park, Wharton’s profile doesn’t instantly match the invoice. Whereas his defensive metrics, like clearances and interceptions, are first rate, his lack of consistency and damage points make him a dangerous signing.
Why Carlos Baleba May Be the Higher Choice
Whereas Wharton’s title continues to be linked with Liverpool, Dr Phil Barter was clear about his desire for Carlos Baleba from Brighton. The Cameroonian midfielder has impressed since arriving within the Premier League and affords the form of physicality and sturdiness Liverpool’s midfield presently lacks. Barter defined, “Baleba has confirmed his health and is extra suited to the depth of Premier League soccer in comparison with Wharton.”
Baleba’s means to progress the ball and break up play has additionally caught the attention, with Barter remarking that he would “want Baleba” given the selection. It’s a realistic stance, contemplating Baleba’s comparatively injury-free document and his means to affect video games each defensively and offensively.
What Subsequent for Liverpool’s Midfield?
As Liverpool weigh up their choices, it stays to be seen whether or not Wharton’s potential outweighs his damage considerations. The enchantment of a younger, technically gifted English midfielder is evident, however the dangers concerned imply that Liverpool’s recruitment group should tread rigorously. With Arne Slot seeking to stamp his authority on the squad, he’ll desire a midfielder who could be relied upon week in and week out.
In the end, if Liverpool are severe about difficult on all fronts subsequent season, they might be higher off focusing their efforts on gamers like Carlos Baleba, who provide a safer and extra strong resolution. As Barter succinctly put it, “Wharton’s damage document means you’re carrying a threat, and Liverpool don’t want that in midfield.”