Liverpool have waited patiently all summer long and now look likely to pull off a stunning move in the transfer market.
To call the Reds’ window a ‘slow burner’ would be something of an understatement this year. So far, Liverpool have done nothing at all.
That seems set to change, though, as Martin Zubimendi edges closer to Anfield. The Spanish midfielder has previously been determined to stay at Real Sociedad, but Liverpool appear to have got to him.
Zubimendi looks perfect for Liverpool and could well be the midfielder that Arne Slot has been waiting for.
Certainly, the Reds haven’t landed on Zubimendi by accident. Liverpool have one of the most advanced – and successful – data analyst teams who will have assessed him thoroughly and expertly.
Data experts give Martin Zubimendi verdict
With Liverpool open to selling Wataru Endo, it’s clear that they were looking for a deep-lying midfielder who is a little more comfortable on the ball.
Endo has been a terrific signing for the Reds since his surprise arrival last summer.
But it’s also fairly obvious to say that had Michael Edwards been overseeing things at Anfield one year ago, the 31-year-old would never have been signed.
As Liverpool revert back to a more data-led approach, they were always going to run everything through the computer and see what it spat out this year.
READ MORE: What Liverpool could do in the transfer market if Martin Zubimendi turns them down
Some won’t necessarily agree with that approach in terms of scouting, but it’s hard to argue that Liverpool haven’t benefitted from it over the past decade.
Everything in football is heavily reliant on data these days. As a result, journalist David Lynch says he sought the input of some analytical experts for their opinion on Zubimendi.
“It’s interesting speaking to some people who work in kind of the analytical side of football,” Lynch explains on his YouTube channel.
“They say he kind of profiles similarly to [Alexis] Mac Allister.”
Zubimendi and Mac Allister set for Liverpool link-up
This is indeed a rather interesting titbit relayed by Lynch. It would be fascinating to know on which metrics Zubimendi and Mac Allister line up.
But just watching the two players, you can see that they are similar footballers. Both are extremely technical and smart when in possession, while also being combative and physical.
Size could be an issue with two playing together, as both are under six foot tall. However, with Slot asking them to play as a two rather than a one, they won’t have to cover quite as much ground. And just look how good Liverpool’s XI looks with Zubimendi in it.
Nevertheless, this is a worry held about Liverpool by Jamie Carragher. Funnily, even before it became clear that the Reds want Zubimendi, Carragher has warned Liverpool about buying a player too similar to Mac Allister.
That looks like being what Slot is about to do, so let’s hope it works out alright in the end.
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