Dr Barter: Attacker is ‘elite player’ who Liverpool should buy | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Next Elite Options: Future Forwards Under the Spotlight

Liverpool’s planning for the next stage of their forward line has been a central theme on the Anfield Index podcast, with Dave Davis and Dr Phil Barts exploring the profiles of players who could shape the club’s attacking future. With Mo Salah still at the peak of his powers but the reality of succession looming, the discussion honed in on what the next generation of talent might look like.

Photo IMAGO

Michael Olise as a Leading Candidate

Dave Davis set the tone early with a clear statement of excitement around one of the standout names, Michael Olise. “If you don’t want to sign this kid for Liverpool, I don’t think football’s for you,” he said. That enthusiasm reflects a growing consensus that the former Crystal Palace winger, now impressing at Bayern Munich, could be a natural successor in the right-sided role.

Dr Phil Barts emphasised Olise’s pedigree, noting, “He showed tremendous pedigree at Palace and then he’s gone to that next level. To still go there and perform at a Champions League club week in week out because the pressure is there, they’re a dominant side but you still have to perform.”

The numbers back that up. Barts pointed out, “Take on 94 percentile, just under three a game which is outstanding… 98% of shot creating action, that’s over six a game.” Davis underlined the importance of this by adding, “Michael Olise is an elite player. Michael Olise has got elite stats.”

At just 23, Olise’s statistical profile compared favourably with Salah. As Barts explained, “Olise is the same if not better than Mo in most of the metrics here apart from non-penalty xG.” That naturally raised the broader succession point, as Davis reminded listeners, “We all love Mo, but we do have to start planning as a club for life after Mo Salah.”

Exploring Different Profiles in Future Forwards

The podcast also assessed other potential names with different characteristics. One such profile discussed was Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, who worked under Arne Slot at Feyenoord. Davis was quick to stress, “This isn’t a poor runner up to Michael Olise, but having a look at Minteh… we got the potential to even be an assist machine.”

Barts explained the distinction: “This isn’t an Olise. This is someone different. He’s got tackles, interceptions, blocks, clearances, aerials.” While Olise excels as a creative force in attack, Minteh brings defensive intensity and raw pace. Davis noted that with Slot’s previous experience of the player, “Arne Slot will know him of course from Feyenoord and his time, that ability just to just to burn a man basically and make stuff happen.”

The question, however, is how such a player would fit into Liverpool’s system. Barts summarised it clearly: “You ask him to beat the fullback and then put the ball into the designated areas… that seems to be what he can do for us.”

Photo: IMAGO

Balancing Statement Signings with Smart Recruitment

The podcast made clear that Liverpool’s approach under new leadership is both ambitious and pragmatic. Davis said plainly, “If we don’t, Chelsea, City and others will, won’t they? We’re talking about an elite player here.” Barts added, “To go and get a player from a traditional big European six like Olise would be a hell of a statement.”

At the same time, the reality of release clauses and market values must be considered. The rumoured £90 million clause for Olise was debated, but as Davis pointed out, “Yes, Michael Olise will cost a pretty penny even with this release clause. But… we’re talking about an elite player here.”

Liverpool’s Forward Planning

For Liverpool supporters, the conversation between Davis and Barts highlighted both the opportunities and the dilemmas in shaping the club’s forward line. Whether it is a player with proven Champions League output like Olise, or a younger Premier League-tested option such as Minteh, the theme is clear: succession planning is underway and the club is looking at next elite options to secure their attacking future.

As Davis concluded with a sense of conviction, “There’s some good players in here, there’s some fantasy gold dust and there’s also some that’s a solid signing type thing, a proper mix.” For Liverpool, the challenge is choosing wisely among these future forwards to sustain their place at the top of English and European football.