Liverpool in the Race for Alan Varela: An In-Depth Look
What’s been said
According to reports from South America, Liverpool are in a three-way battle to sign the talented Argentine midfielder Alan Varela. ESPN journalist Leo Paradizo revealed via Deportes 24 that Liverpool, alongside Manchester City and Bayern Munich, have shown interest in the FC Porto star. Paradizo noted, “Liverpool have enquired about Alan Varela, who has been on their radar since his time at Boca Juniors.” A delegation from Merseyside was reportedly seen scouting the 22-year-old during a Primeira Liga match in early April, highlighting Liverpool’s serious interest in the midfielder.
Looking at the Key Stats
Alan Varela, at just 22 years old, has already made a significant impact at FC Porto. Standing at 1.77 meters tall, Varela plays as a defensive midfielder and has garnered attention for his impressive passing ability. Over the last 365 days, Varela has played 3232 minutes, showcasing his stamina and consistency on the field.
His passing stats are particularly notable, with 70.12 passes attempted per 90 minutes, placing him in the 96th percentile among midfielders. His pass completion rate is an impressive 88.8%, positioning him in the 94th percentile, which highlights his accuracy and reliability in possession. Varela also contributes defensively with 1.73 tackles per 90 minutes and a 57% success rate in shot-creating actions, underscoring his well-rounded skill set.
Drawing Comparisons
Comparing Alan Varela to Liverpool’s current defensive midfielder Wataru Endo provides a clear picture of what Varela could bring to Anfield. Endo, known for his robust defensive capabilities, has a higher number of challenges by some distance, although Varela has the greater success rate at 42.9%.
Neither excels in aerial duel success, although surprisingly Varela comes out top with 56.3% While Endo operates primarily as a destroyer, disrupting opposition play, Varela is more of a playmaker, adept at distributing the ball and initiating attacks. More Thiago than Fabinho. This distinction raises questions about whether Varela can adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League, where defensive midfielders often face intense physical battles.
Likelihood and Fee
Alan Varela’s market value is currently estimated at €25 million, with his contract at FC Porto running until June 2028. There have been no mentions of a specific release clause, but considering the interest from top European clubs, Porto is likely to demand a substantial fee. Liverpool’s interest in Varela dates back to his time at Boca Juniors, suggesting a long-standing admiration for his talents.
However, despite his impressive passing stats and similarities to Thiago Alcantara, there are concerns about his physicality. At 5ft 10in, Varela is not small, but he lacks the imposing presence of a Fabinho. This factor could influence Liverpool’s decision, as they weigh Varela’s technical abilities against the physical rigours of the Premier League.
Whilst Varela’s technical skills and potential make him an exciting prospect, Liverpool must consider whether he can handle the physical challenges of English football. His playmaking abilities could provide a new dimension to Liverpool’s midfield, but the Reds will need to assess if his style fits the team’s needs in the long run. There’s a lot of people who can pass and play in that midfield. Whilst you’d want both though, Is there enough destruction?
