Liverpool followers are not any strangers to midfield rebuilds, and the most recent title on everybody’s lips is Carlos Baleba. The Brighton midfield
er has garnered consideration, and the dialog on the Anfield Index Switch Podcast, hosted by Dave Davis with stats knowledgeable Dr Phil Barter, dived deep into what makes Baleba an intriguing prospect for the Reds. However is he well worth the seemingly hefty price ticket that Tony Bloom and Brighton will demand?
Baleba’s Defensive Strengths Are Simple
Dr Phil Barter broke down Baleba’s defensive contributions intimately, highlighting his standout attributes. In keeping with Barter, “We’re speaking excessive 90s for blocks and interceptions. You need your quantity six blocking passing lanes reasonably than making tackles, and Baleba ticks that field.”
Barter emphasised that Liverpool want a defensively stable holding midfielder to supply a protect for the again 4. “The important thing metric for me,” he defined, “is that he’s intercepting at a excessive price whereas remaining on his toes. That reveals he’s studying the sport properly.”
Liverpool’s present midfield choices, significantly Gravenberch and Mac Allister, lack this defensive robustness. Baleba’s profile may supply much-needed steadiness in video games the place Liverpool want a extra defensive midfield presence.
The Passing Numbers Increase Issues
Nevertheless, it’s not all rosy. A key query mark round Baleba is whether or not his passing recreation is refined sufficient for a group like Liverpool, who dominate possession. Barter identified that Baleba’s cross completion price is stable at 88%, however his progressive passing metrics depart one thing to be desired.
“His progressive passes are within the thirty second percentile,” Barter famous. “That’s low for a participant in Liverpool’s system, the place possession and progressive play are important. It’s one thing he’d want to enhance if he got here to Anfield.”
Barter additional defined that Baleba tends to hold the ball reasonably than cross it ahead. “He’s extra like Gravenberch in that sense,” he mentioned. “He’ll take a participant on and carry the ball, reasonably than play a killer cross. However at Liverpool, we want our six to be extra concerned in recycling possession.”
The Brighton Issue: Negotiating with Tony Bloom
One of many greatest hurdles in signing Baleba will probably be negotiating with Brighton, a membership recognized for his or her powerful stance on participant gross sales. Dr Phil Barter and Dave Davis each agreed that Brighton will demand a big payment.
“We’ve seen it earlier than with Caicedo and Mac Allister,” Davis famous. “Tony Bloom doesn’t let gamers depart cheaply. Baleba’s contract runs till 2028, and Brighton maintain an possibility to increase that by one other 12 months. That basically makes it a 2029 deal.”
Barter estimated that Brighton would seemingly ask for a payment north of £100 million. “It received’t be Caicedo-level at £115 million, however I don’t assume it’ll be a lot beneath £100 million,” he predicted. “They’ll demand high greenback, and Liverpool might want to determine whether or not he’s value that.”
Left-Footed Stability in Liverpool’s Midfield?
One potential benefit of signing Baleba is that he’s left-footed, a rarity in Liverpool’s midfield. Davis identified that the Reds presently lack left-footed midfielders, which may affect the steadiness of play.
“Does the truth that he’s left-footed change issues?” Davis requested. “We’ve been crying out for extra steadiness in that regard.”
Barter agreed, suggesting that it may give Liverpool extra choices when it comes to their passing recreation. “Sure, it may assist. Left-footed gamers can open up completely different angles of assault. And whereas professional gamers are normally respectable with each toes, having a pure left-footer could possibly be helpful in sure conditions.”
Is Baleba Well worth the Funding?
So, is Carlos Baleba the suitable man for Liverpool? Barter’s remaining evaluation was cautiously optimistic. “There’s quite a bit to love about him,” he concluded. “His defensive stats are distinctive, and he’s proven enchancment in his second season within the Premier League.”
Nevertheless, the passing query stays. “For me, the most important concern is whether or not he can adapt to the on-ball calls for of a Liverpool quantity six,” Barter mentioned. “If he can, then he’s an ideal possibility. If not, we could possibly be taking a look at one other participant who struggles to suit into our system.”
Finally, the signing will come all the way down to value. As Barter put it, “With Brighton, it’s all the time concerning the worth level. Liverpool might want to weigh up whether or not they’re getting sufficient worth for the cash Brighton will demand.”