Report: Liverpool ‘Ready’ to Chase £41m Atletico Madrid Star in January | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Strategy Shift: Pursuing Pablo Barrios Amid Zubimendi Fallout

Liverpool’s management, under the watchful eye of sporting director Richard Hughes and manager Arne Slot, has redirected its transfer ambitions toward Atletico Madrid’s young midfielder Pablo Barrios. This interest arises following a significant attempt to secure Martin Zubimendi, which faltered despite Liverpool meeting his substantial release clause and offering a salary increase, only for Zubimendi to opt to stay with Real Sociedad.

Barrios: A Rising Star in Madrid

At just 21 years old, Barrios has quickly ascended to a key role within Diego Simeone’s setup, earning the tag of a ‘fundamental’ player. Fichajes, which first reported Liverpool’s interest, highlights his ability to perform in multiple midfield roles, likening his versatility to that of Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch. Barrios, who has started five LaLiga games this season, demonstrates a dynamic style, evident from his 1.53 successful take-ons per match—placing him in the top 6% of midfielders across Europe’s top leagues.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s Tactical Adaptation and Squad Dynamics

Liverpool’s interest in Barrios signifies a strategic pivot in their recruitment philosophy. Despite the missed opportunity with Zubimendi, Liverpool has benefitted from strong performances from within, particularly from Gravenberch and Curtis Jones. Jones’ standout performance in a recent 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield underscores the existing talent depth, which has compensated for the absence of a new signing like Zubimendi.

Financial Implications and Future Prospects

The pursuit of Barrios by Liverpool is indicative of their readiness to invest in the right talent, with the player’s release clause set at a feasible €50m (£41.7m, $54.2m). This approach is consistent with Liverpool’s history of strategic investments in young talent capable of growing within the club’s ecosystem. Moreover, despite the setback with Zubimendi, Liverpool remains in a healthy financial position to make significant acquisitions, possibly even rekindling their interest in Zubimendi in future transfer windows.

Statistical Analysis by Anfield Index: Pablo Barrios’ Rising Star

Unpacking Barrios’ Performance Data

The latest chart from Fbref offers a comprehensive breakdown of Pablo Barrios’ performance over the past year, positioning him as a standout midfielder compared to his peers. Analysing 1928 minutes of play, the data reveals a player who excels in dynamic midfield roles, mirroring Liverpool’s interest in his development and potential acquisition.

Key Stats Highlight Versatility and Skill

Barrios shines particularly in the areas of attacking and possession, metrics critical to any midfield maestro in top European football. His assists tally and expected assists (xAG) are in the 76th and 74th percentiles respectively, underscoring his ability to not only create opportunities but also anticipate play developments effectively. This aligns with the attacking prowess Liverpool seeks as they aim to bolster their midfield options.

In terms of possession, Barrios demonstrates robust control and distribution capabilities, indicated by his high rankings in passes attempted and pass completion percentage, situated in the 73rd percentile. Such stats reflect his reliability in maintaining possession and dictating the pace of the game, traits that would complement the high-pressing style of Premier League football.

Defensive Contributions Cannot Be Overlooked

While primarily noted for his offensive skills, Barrios also displays commendable defensive efforts. Notably, his blocks and clearances are in the 80th percentile, illustrating his readiness to contribute defensively, a quality that Liverpool’s midfield currently harnesses well. This rounded defensive ability ensures that Barrios is not just a forward threat but also a key figure in stymying opposition attacks.

In sum, Pablo Barrios emerges from this statistical overview as a well-rounded, technically skilled midfielder whose attributes could mesh well within the Anfield setup. His blend of offensive creativity and defensive diligence makes him a prime target for Liverpool, as reflected in the thorough performance data and stats detailed by Fbref.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool fans, the interest in Pablo Barrios should be seen as an exciting development, especially after the disappointment surrounding Martin Zubimendi. Barrios represents the type of youthful, dynamic talent that can thrive under Arne Slot’s guidance. His ability to adapt to multiple roles in the midfield, akin to Gravenberch’s flexibility, could prove crucial in Liverpool’s quest for domestic and European success.

Barrios’ statistics, including his impressive rate of successful take-ons, suggest he possesses the technical skills and tactical intelligence that would mesh well with Liverpool’s high-energy, pressing style of play. While the pain of missing out on Zubimendi is palpable, especially given his Euro 2024 triumph and evident quality, Liverpool’s quick pivot to another promising talent shows a commendable resilience and foresight in their transfer strategy.

Given Liverpool’s nearly perfect start to the season under Slot, incorporating a player like Barrios could further solidify our midfield, providing depth and variety. The fact that our existing midfielders are performing well should not deter the club from strengthening. Instead, it should allow a talent like Barrios to integrate with less pressure and more opportunity to learn from the current squad.

Ultimately, Liverpool’s approach of scouting thoroughly and striking when the time and price are right remains a blueprint for sustainable success. The potential acquisition of Barrios not only reflects the club’s long-term vision but also signals to competitors that Liverpool continues to build for the future, even as they capitalize on present strengths.