Anfield Index
·21 November 2024
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Yahoo sportsAnfield Index
·21 November 2024
Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester City are reportedly setting their sights on Real Valladolid’s young sensation, Raul Moro, as reported by TeamTalk. The 21-year-old winger, whose journey through the ranks of Spanish and Italian football has been nothing short of a roller coaster, could be on his way to the Premier League for what is considered a “miniscule” fee in the region of €10 million. Despite a challenging stint with Lazio in Rome, Moro has flourished back in Spain, impressing enough to draw attention from some of England’s top clubs.
Since permanently joining Valladolid for a mere €2.5 million, Moro has proved his worth, contributing three goals and one assist in just 13 LaLiga appearances this season. His performances have not only helped his team but have also put him on the radar of Premier League scouts. According to a recent report from Super Deporte, his ability to play on either flank or as a centre-forward makes him an attractive proposition for any top club looking to bolster their attacking options.
Photo: IMAGO
With Liverpool’s current focus on finding a potential successor to Mo Salah, who is speculated to be moving on from Anfield, Moro represents a versatile and economically viable option. The club, now under the guidance of Arne Slot, seems to be prioritizing financial prudence in their signings. Meanwhile, Tottenham, looking to find a long-term replacement for Heung-min Son, and Manchester City, known for their strategic acquisitions of promising young talent, are also in the mix, indicating a possible bidding war come January.
Despite Valladolid’s strong position due to Moro’s contract running until 2028, financial necessities might compel them to consider substantial offers. Being in a position where they rely on profits from player sales, Valladolid might find it hard to turn down a profitable opportunity, especially from cash-rich Premier League clubs.
The provided data visualization from Fbref offers a comprehensive look into Raúl Moro’s performance among attacking midfielders and wingers over the last year. In the realm of attacking contributions, Moro’s stats show mixed results. His non-penalty goals (Non-PG) and expected assists (xAG) figures are particularly promising, placing him in the 59th and 63rd percentiles, respectively. These metrics suggest that while Moro may not be the top scorer, his ability to be in the right place at the right time and to contribute to goal-scoring opportunities is notable.
In terms of possession, Moro’s capabilities are solid, if unspectacular. His pass completion percentage sits at a comfortable 72nd percentile, paired with his ranking in the 47th percentile for passes attempted. This indicates that Moro is reliable with the ball at his feet, capable of maintaining possession and participating actively in the build-up play. His proficiency in progressive carries (77th percentile) further highlights his ability to drive forward with the ball, advancing play towards the opposition’s goal.
Defensively, Moro displays an impressive suite of skills that complement his attacking prowess. He ranks highly in blocks (69th percentile) and clearances (69th percentile), unusual for a player in his position and indicative of his willingness and ability to contribute to defensive duties. His performance in these areas suggests a versatile player who can be trusted to perform defensive roles, adding to his value on the pitch.
Overall, Raúl Moro’s performance data from Fbref paints a picture of a well-rounded player who might not excel in one particular area but offers a balanced set of skills across the board. As he continues to develop, these attributes could make him a valuable asset to any team looking to bolster both their attacking and defensive options.
As a Liverpool supporter, the prospect of Raul Moro joining the Reds is an intriguing one. While the departures of legends like Jurgen Klopp and potentially Mo Salah signal the end of an era, they also mark the beginning of a new chapter under Arne Slot. Moro, with his versatility and flair, could offer something different on the wings or even up front, providing Liverpool with much-needed depth and youthful exuberance.
Although Moro might not yet be a household name like Takefusa Kubo or Leroy Sane, his lower transfer fee and potential upside could make him a shrewd piece of business in the current economic climate of football. For Liverpool, investing in a player like Moro could pay dividends as they look to rebuild and maintain competitiveness on all fronts. With Richard Hughes reportedly drawing up shortlists, Moro’s name could be one to watch in the coming transfer windows.
In conclusion, Raul Moro represents a fascinating prospect for any of the mentioned Premier League clubs. His development at Valladolid has shown that he has the potential to succeed at the highest level, and a move to the Premier League could be the perfect next step in his career. As January approaches, it will be interesting to see if Liverpool, Tottenham, or Manchester City decide to make their interest formal and bring this talented young winger to the intense spotlight of English football.