Carreras Stands Out as a Data-Driven Choice in Liverpool’s Search | OneFootball

Carreras Profile Matches Liverpool Needs Better Than You Think

Metrics Make the Case for Carreras

As Liverpool continue their structural reshuffle under Arne Slot, full-back recruitment is near the top of the agenda. On Stat Me Up, Dave Davis and Phil Barter examined potential additions on both flanks. While much of the discussion focused on who might depart—namely Andy Robertson or Kostas Tsimikas—it was Alvaro Carreras who emerged as a quietly compelling option for the incoming left-back role.

Carreras, 22, has already been linked with the Reds, and while his name doesn’t carry the buzz of others, the numbers suggest he’s a genuine fit. “We even said on a TMM a while ago that Alvaro Carreras could be a really smart buy,” said Barter. “He won’t cost you a lot of money, but he’s got good pedigree. He’s played in a youth setup for United so there might be a chance that he’s homegrown.”

Strong Numbers in Key Areas

Barter highlighted Carreras’ defensive intelligence as a standout quality. “Interceptions, 99th percentile. Blocks—he’s at 84,” he noted. “He passes the ball progressively, takes players on, receives it high as well.” These are critical components in Liverpool’s current full-back structure, particularly when matched with a right-back like Conor Bradley, who functions more as a carrier.

Though Carreras isn’t known as a prolific dribbler, his passing metrics are elite. “Pass completion 66%—a little bit low,” Barter admitted, “but progressive passes 87th percentile, passes into the penalty area 87, 88 percentile.” These aren’t empty numbers—they speak to a player who consistently progresses the ball and contributes creatively in high-value areas.

The Perfect Tsimikas Successor?

What makes Carreras particularly interesting is his statistical resemblance to Kostas Tsimikas. “Carreras has a very similar profile to Costas,” said Barter, after comparing the two using scouting data. “He’s a different full-back, but largely I would say is two-thirds of the metrics that you would compare the two, he outperforms Milos Kerkez.”

That comparison to Kerkez is crucial. The Bournemouth full-back, often reported as Liverpool’s top left-back target, offers more in terms of raw carrying and attacking explosiveness. But Carreras, in Barter’s view, might better complement the current tactical setup: “If you want the current setup to be repeated next season, then Bradley is your carrier. You would need a player like Carreras—not Kerkez.”

Davis reinforced the point, saying: “Carreras… it’s his all-round game and his passing. That’s the strength, i.e. similar to Tsimikas.” He added, “If you were getting rid of Tsimikas, you bring in Carreras. If you were getting rid of Robbo, you would bring in Kerkez.”

Style and Balance Over Hype

Despite lacking fanfare, Carreras’ profile reflects a modern full-back in control. His percentile ranks in passing, chance creation, and defensive contribution all speak to a player who would not only fit in but possibly enhance Liverpool’s system. “Goal-creating actions, 90th percentile. Shot-creating actions—he’s 83rd. That’s really tidy for a 22-year-old,” noted Barter.

The emphasis throughout the podcast was balance. With Conor Bradley likely stepping into a bigger role on the right, pairing him with another ball-carrier like Kerkez could unbalance the system. “You’d almost think if you were getting rid of Tsimikas, you bring in Carreras… it’s about combinations,” Davis stressed.

Conclusion

In a market often dominated by hype and highlight reels, Alvaro Carreras stands out for the right reasons—numbers, structure, and fit. He may not be the flashy name, but if Liverpool value system continuity and tactical balance, Carreras could prove to be the smarter, more stable option on the left.