New Defensive Talent Impresses but Can’t Yet Replace Key Liverpool Starter | OneFootball

Why Liverpool Want Both: Huijsen’s Promise Shines, But He’s No Konaté Yet

As Liverpool plot their summer strategy under Arne Slot, centre-back reinforcements are clearly top of the agenda. On the Stat Me Up podcast for Anfield Index, Dave Davis and Dr Phil Barter offered a comprehensive statistical comparison of Liverpool’s current options and transfer targets. At the centre of it all: the pursuit of Dean Huijsen.

There’s no question the 20-year-old is talented, and as Barter noted, his metrics are exceptional for his age. But as the discussion revealed, Huijsen may be the future — not the present. For now, Liverpool still need Konaté.

Impressive Numbers Show Huge Ceiling

“You can see why all these clubs are ready to risk £50 million,” said Barter, when talking through Huijsen’s data. And there’s no exaggeration. The youngster, currently at Bournemouth, impresses across key metrics. “Progressive carries in the 91st percentile, shot-creating actions in the 94th,” Barter noted.

That kind of ball-carrying profile is rare for centre-backs — particularly ones just out of their teens. Huijsen is calm in possession, technically sound, and “has fewer defects in his game” than many defenders his age, according to Barter.

In terms of physical profile, he’s not far off the mark either. “He’s got a top speed of 33.6km/h,” said Barter, comparing it with Konaté’s 34. “It’s not a massive gap, but over 100 metres that’s about a second — and that’s significant in recovery situations.”

Still a Tier Below in Experience and Physicality

But despite the praise, both Davis and Barter were cautious about rushing Huijsen into a role as a direct replacement for Konaté. “For where he is right now, [Konaté] is above Huijsen by a bit of distance,” Davis made clear.

The gap isn’t just in pace or numbers — it’s in exposure. “This is Huijsen’s first season in the Premier League,” Barter reminded listeners. Konaté, on the other hand, has played in a Champions League final, a World Cup final, and been integral to Liverpool’s strongest recent runs.

Barter added: “Konaté is better in the air, better in pass completion, better in duels — and quicker. He’s the dominant centre-half. Huijsen is more progressive, but he doesn’t recycle possession as well as Konaté.”

Why Liverpool Want Both — Not One or the Other

Perhaps the most telling insight was the shared view that Liverpool shouldn’t be choosing between the two. “The ideal scenario is to have both,” said Davis, and Barter echoed that sentiment. Huijsen’s potential is clear, but he’s not ready to displace an elite-level partner like Konaté.

Instead, his arrival could allow Liverpool to rotate more intelligently, protect players from injury, and develop a versatile backline. “It’s not that Huijsen isn’t ready to contribute,” said Barter. “It’s that replacing Konaté outright now would be a downgrade in key areas.”

And it’s not just about performance — it’s about ambition. Slot’s Liverpool must remain competitive on multiple fronts. “You’re probably looking to play 1,500 minutes if you came into Liverpool,” Davis said of Huijsen’s potential role. That kind of managed development suits the player and the club.

Looking Ahead

Liverpool fans often crave a perfect balance between youth and experience — between vision for the future and stability in the now. In this case, the data supports that desire.

Dean Huijsen looks like a future starter. His ability to carry, his attacking contributions, and his composure in possession are all elite indicators. But for the moment, he’s a complement to Konaté, not a replacement. As Barter summarised: “Huijsen profiles well, but right now, Konaté is a level above.”