Dr Barts: Why this striker could be the perfect fit for Liverpool

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Anfield Index

·18. März 2025

Dr Barts: Why this striker could be the perfect fit for Liverpool

Liverpool’s Next Number 9: Why Julian Alvarez is the Elite Option

Liverpool’s pursuit of an elite forward continues to dominate headlines, and the latest episode of The Transfer Market Metrics Podcast on Anfield Index delivered in-depth statistical analysis of three key targets: Julian Alvarez, Alexander Isak, and Benjamin Sesko. Dave Davis and Dr Barts dissected the numbers, highlighting why Alvarez stands out as the prime candidate for Arne Slot’s system.

Alvarez – The Complete Forward Liverpool Needs

The name on everyone’s lips right now is Julian Alvarez. As Dave Davis put it:

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“Unless you’ve been living under a rock in the last few days, Julian Alvarez is the big name now on the docket.”

Liverpool’s interest in the Manchester City forward has been widely reported, with journalist Sam Maguire breaking the news that he is firmly on the club’s radar. With 23 goals already this season and a pedigree that fits the high-intensity requirements of a Liverpool striker, Alvarez is shaping up as an ideal target.

Photo IMAGO

Dr Barts provided a detailed breakdown of Alvarez’s numbers, stating:

“All the signs suggest that this is a boy with the pedigree we require.”

A key strength highlighted was Alvarez’s defensive contribution, crucial for Liverpool’s pressing game:

“He will know exactly, give or take a few little tweaks, how to operate in a high-press system as part of our 4-2-4.”

His progressive passing, ability to receive in attacking zones, and high pass completion rate (87%) also impressed:

“This boy is, you know, 76% sorry, 87 percentile—so he’s extremely high in terms of his passing accuracy.”

What sets Alvarez apart is his availability and consistency. He has already played 11 more games this season than Isak and thrives in a demanding schedule, a vital trait for Liverpool’s future number nine.

Photo: IMAGO

Isak’s Quality Undeniable, But Availability Is A Concern

Alexander Isak is another name heavily linked with Liverpool, and his 23 goals and five assists this season are impressive. However, Dr Barts raised concerns about his fitness:

“My biggest concern with Isak is not his ability… but availability. There’s no real evidence that he has got over the niggles that would prevent him from playing twice a week.”

Despite his attacking output, Isak’s defensive contributions were notably lower than Alvarez’s, making him a different type of forward. As Davis summarised:

“It’s funny, isn’t it? You can have different styles but actually some of the top-level numbers are exactly the same.”

Yet, the defining issue remains his durability:

“The single biggest predictor of future availability is pre-existing injury.”

Liverpool’s system demands a forward who can handle the relentless fixture congestion, and with Isak struggling to maintain a full Premier League season without setbacks, there are legitimate concerns about making a high-stakes investment in him.

Sesko Lacks The Elite Factor

Photo: IMAGO

Benjamin Sesko, though regularly mentioned as a potential option, falls short in key areas. Dr Barts didn’t hold back in his assessment:

“I don’t quite get it… There’s a few little signs where I’m like, is he the right fit for us going forward?”

His numbers in attacking actions were underwhelming, with a low percentile for shot-creating actions and penalty box touches. Compared to Alvarez and Isak, Sesko’s statistical profile was noticeably weaker. Davis summed it up bluntly:

“You don’t want to be too harsh on players, but it’s just a big fat red cross next to his name for us.”

Even with his impressive physical attributes and pace, the data simply does not support Sesko as a viable target for Liverpool’s next forward.

Final Verdict: Alvarez The Ideal Fit for Liverpool

Liverpool’s need for a reliable, high-intensity forward to lead the line under Arne Slot means the club must choose wisely. The data from The Transfer Market Metrics Podcast suggests a clear ranking:

Julian Alvarez – The elite option who ticks all the boxes.
Alexander Isak – A quality striker but with major injury concerns.
Benjamin Sesko – Lacking the all-round profile needed for Liverpool’s system.

As Davis said in closing:

“There is nothing not to like about Alvarez. That is a player we should be well in for.”

With Liverpool in need of a transformative signing up front, Alvarez represents the ideal mix of ability, work rate, and availability. The question remains: will Liverpool break the bank to secure his services?