Dr Phil Barter: “Superb passer, space eater” – Why Liverpool like PSG Wonderkid | OneFootball

Warren Zaïre-Emery: Liverpool’s Next Midfield Gem? Insights from Dave Davis and Dr Phil Barter

The latest episode of Transfer Market Metrics on Anfield Index featured an in-depth discussion between host Dave Davis and analyst Dr Phil Barter, dissecting the potential of Warren Zaïre-Emery as a Liverpool target. The podcast delved into the stats behind the young Frenchman, shedding light on why Arne Slot and his recruitment team are closely monitoring the PSG starlet.

Why Liverpool Fancy Zaïre-Emery

Dr Phil Barter highlighted Liverpool’s keen interest, confirming, “Sam Maguire put the story out… Liverpool very much like this kid, and if there’s any chance at all, they will be there.” Davis supported this, noting that Zaïre-Emery’s profile ticks all the right boxes for Arne Slot’s midfield needs.

Zaïre-Emery’s unique attributes were a major talking point. “He’s a superb passer, excellent passer,” said Barter, adding, “They call him a ‘space eater’—covers massive distances on the pitch.” Such a blend of creativity and endurance has made the 18-year-old a standout prospect.

Impressive Stats for an 18-Year-Old

Barter broke down Zaïre-Emery’s stats from the current season, noting his growth: “He’s on 1300 minutes already this season… likely to smash his career high to around 2,500 minutes—a 25% increase from last season.” For a teenager playing at PSG, that’s a testament to his reliability and importance.

Photo: IMAGO

His passing statistics are particularly eye-catching. “Passing completion is 92%, which sums up pretty good,” Barter emphasised. Additionally, “Progressive passes are at 5.2 per game, consistent with last season’s 5.3.” Such consistency, particularly in moving the ball forward, aligns with Liverpool’s possession-focused style under Slot.

Defensively, Zaïre-Emery also shines. “Interceptions are up by half a game from last season,” Barter observed, suggesting that he is “tracking the passing lanes better.” His aerial duel success has improved too, “up by 10%,” though Barter acknowledged, “35% is still low for a No.6, but he’s only 1.78m tall.”

A Perfect Fit for Arne Slot’s Midfield

With Liverpool currently light on midfield options, Barter sees Zaïre-Emery as a strategic addition. “He looks like just a pivot player,” he said, adding, “You could free Gravenberch up to play higher or rotate more effectively.” Slot is known for his tactical flexibility, and Zaïre-Emery’s ability to slot into a double pivot could be crucial.

The podcast also highlighted how Zaïre-Emery outperforms his peers in key metrics. “For an 18-year-old, he’s already posting better progressive carries and box carries than Gravenberch,” Barter revealed. Davis concurred, noting, “This kid has got some hallmarks of our more established stars.”

Could Liverpool Get Their Man?

The conversation ended with a dose of realism. Barter admitted, “The problem will be PSG. Parisian kid, they’ll want big money.” Yet, Davis remained hopeful, likening the deal to Liverpool’s famed recruitment model: “This is a Brighton deal—spotting talent early, giving them minutes, and reaping the rewards.”

Liverpool’s interest in Zaïre-Emery is more than justified. With Arne Slot ushering in a new era, the young Frenchman could become a cornerstone of the Reds’ midfield. As Barter concluded, “For an 18-year-old, there’s a lot to like there.”