Liverpool Eye Álvaro Carreras as Robertson Successor

Spanish outlet AS recently reported that Liverpool are pursuing Benfica’s 21-year-old left-back, Álvaro Carreras, viewing him as a promising long-term replacement for the 30-year-old Andy Robertson. This report underscores Liverpool’s active interest in the emerging talent and positions Carreras as one of the most coveted young full-backs in European football.

Benfica, known for cultivating young stars before selling them at premium prices, acquired Carreras for €6 million, convinced of his potential after a successful loan spell from Manchester United. Since joining, he has cemented his role as an essential part of Benfica’s defence, making waves in the Portuguese league and Champions League, particularly with a recent stellar performance against Atlético Madrid, which saw his stock rise even higher.

Carreras: Young Talent Built For Premier League

For Liverpool, Álvaro Carreras offers more than just youthful dynamism; he brings experience in English football. He previously played for Manchester United’s youth setup and impressed during a loan spell with Preston North End. This foundation has arguably primed Carreras for a future in the Premier League. Liverpool are keen on players who not only have a proven track record but also possess adaptability – and Carreras ticks both boxes.

Benfica manager Bruno Lage has shown tremendous faith in Carreras, making him a regular starter. It’s not hard to see why Liverpool are showing interest: Carreras has demonstrated solid defensive skills and a knack for contributing offensively. As AS noted, his strength is “palpable”, and his attacking prowess makes him “differential.” Standing at 1.86 metres, his physical presence adds to his already impressive skill set, hinting at his suitability for the physical demands of the Premier League.

Moreover, with Robertson’s contract renewal uncertain and his 30s approaching, Liverpool’s pursuit of Carreras signifies a forward-thinking approach. His contract with Benfica runs until 2029, and any transfer fee could be significant, especially with a hefty release clause involved. While the exact figure is undisclosed, Benfica’s reputation for extracting maximum value from their transfers means Liverpool would need to dig deep into their pockets to secure the deal.

Grimaldo’s Successor in Benfica and Potential in the Premier League

Carreras has been touted as the natural successor to Alex Grimaldo, who used his time at Benfica as a springboard to join Bayer Leverkusen and break into the Spanish national team. Now, it seems to be Carreras’ turn. However, AS reports that while Carreras is aware of Liverpool’s interest, he remains focused on his current role at Benfica, having started every league match since his debut and racking up impressive minutes on the pitch.

Grimaldo set a high standard for left-backs at Benfica, and Carreras is arguably following in his footsteps. His versatile play style, combining defensive acumen with an eye for forward runs, has made him a fan favourite. Additionally, his technical statistics stand out in the Portuguese league. According to AS, Carreras excels in “ball progressions, final third passes, crosses, dribbles, and passes into the box” and ranks among the top players in these areas. His contributions extend to his defensive numbers as well, with a duel win rate of 68.4% and an average of 6.9 recoveries per match, 2.9 of which occur in the opponent’s half.

This mix of solid defence and offensive output is precisely what Liverpool need. Robertson has redefined the left-back role with his intense pressing and attacking contributions, and Carreras seems like a fitting heir. Carreras, though young, already exhibits qualities Liverpool’s technical staff would likely find appealing. For instance, his commanding presence on the left flank is comparable to the European champions with Spain, a player who can handle the defensive duties while remaining a constant threat moving forward.

Navigating the Challenges of Signing Carreras

While Liverpool’s interest is clear, signing Carreras from Benfica will be anything but straightforward. Benfica is a notoriously tough negotiator, especially with players under long-term contracts. With Carreras contracted until 2029, they hold all the cards. However, Liverpool may have an ace up their sleeve: the attraction of playing in the Premier League and competing in the Champions League regularly.

Moreover, Liverpool’s recent track record with young players suggests they could offer Carreras a favourable development path. At Anfield, he could transition seamlessly under Jürgen Klopp’s guidance, growing into a role that aligns with his attacking inclinations. The potential to link up with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Trent Alexander-Arnold is enticing. Playing alongside such quality could accelerate his growth and cement his status as a top European left-back.

However, Liverpool are not the only club eyeing Carreras. Clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid are rumoured to have shown interest, making the competition fierce. The allure of a Spanish return may appeal to Carreras, especially given his history at La Fábrica, Real Madrid’s academy, from which he moved to Manchester United in pursuit of first-team football. As he recently told AS, “I wanted to grow football-wise, and United came with an incredible future proposal.” Such ambition underscores Carreras’ drive for progress, which could now lead him to the Premier League.

Carreras: Wise Investment for Liverpool’s Future?

Ultimately, while Liverpool are the frontrunners, the pursuit of Álvaro Carreras will likely unfold over time. Benfica, knowing his value, will not let him go easily or cheaply. But should Liverpool decide to invest, they could acquire a player not only capable of filling Robertson’s boots but potentially surpassing him.

Carreras’ future is bright, and AS rightly concludes that “Liverpool has taken a step forward,” setting the stage for a possible move. If Liverpool can negotiate the right deal, Carreras could join a new wave of talent, pushing the club closer to its ambitions and ensuring the left-back position remains one of strength for years to come.

Statistical Analysis by Anfield Index Index

As Liverpool consider Álvaro Carreras as a potential successor to Andy Robertson, a comparison of their performance stats from Fbref provides a fascinating look into their respective strengths. Carreras’ metrics, highlighted on his radar chart, reveal a player whose attacking and possession-based stats rival those of his Liverpool counterpart, potentially making him a strong contender for the left-back role at Anfield.

Attacking and Possession-Based Strengths

Carreras, who ranks in the 90th percentile or higher in progressive carries, touches, and successful take-ons, clearly excels in areas that align with Liverpool’s aggressive, possession-driven style. His impressive numbers in progressive passes (93rd percentile) and shot-creating actions (93rd percentile) further emphasize his attacking threat, marking him as more than just a defensive option. These stats, when juxtaposed with Robertson’s more balanced radar, underscore Carreras’ offensive potential. Liverpool’s current left-back may be known for his crossing and assists, but Carreras’ chart suggests he offers even more in terms of ball progression and dribbling.

Defensive Metrics and Tactical Fit

In contrast, Carreras’ defensive stats fall short of Robertson’s. He ranks in the lower percentiles for tackles and interceptions (14th percentile) and aerial duels won (43rd percentile), areas where Robertson remains a solid performer. Robertson’s radar reveals a full-back with stronger all-around defensive metrics, which would need to be considered by Liverpool if they seek a direct replacement. Nonetheless, Carreras’ proficiency in retaining possession and driving forward could suit Liverpool’s tactical demands, especially in matches where they dominate possession and require added creativity from the back.

Future Prospects for Álvaro Carreras at Liverpool

Overall, Carreras’ data signals a left-back with attacking tendencies well-suited to Liverpool’s high-tempo system. While his defensive capabilities may require refinement, his performance in possession and attacking transitions aligns with Liverpool’s style, presenting a compelling option for Jürgen Klopp’s side as they plan for the future.