Midfield Futures in Focus: Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton Assessed
Liverpool’s evolving midfield picture has become a central talking point, and on Transfer Market Metrics for Anfield Index, Dave Davis and Phil Barter explored the data, profiles and tactical implications surrounding two emerging names, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton. Their discussion blended statistical analysis with squad building context, offering insight into why both players are firmly on the club’s radar.
Curtis Jones Context Shapes Recruitment Debate
The conversation opened with the emotional backdrop of potential change. Davis admitted concern about the direction of travel, raising the prospect of local representation diminishing within the squad. Barter shared that sentiment, saying, “I’m with you with a bit of sadness because I think Curtis Jones is a great player… I’ve enjoyed seeing him develop from this scrawny kid who wanted to be the best 10 in the world to a very versatile midfielder who’s got a very good skill set.”
He added pointedly, “I don’t agree with the current situation. I personally think it’s not quite a Liverpool thing, should we say? It’s not behaviour I recognise of my club.”
That framing matters because any incoming profile, including Adam Wharton, would not represent a direct replacement. As Barter clarified, “This isn’t like for like… I’m not saying Curtis goes to bring in Wharton because they’re different players.”
Adam Wharton Profile and Technical Value
Wharton’s appeal lies in deep progression and tempo setting. Barter highlighted how perception can differ from performance data. “People talk about Wharton being the next coming of Fabinho… but there is something in the numbers where you look at it, you go, he’s all right. Like, you know, 27 player impact at Palace.”
Creatively, he noted limitations, “His assist is the 50th percentile. XG doesn’t create a lot of XG, 20th percentile.”
Yet his orchestration stands out. “He’s what’s classified as an orchestrator… he can open up doors with a long pass.”
The speed of execution is key. Barter stressed, “Passing within five seconds of receiving it forward… you cannot get your head around how important that is.”
He expanded on its tactical value, explaining that quick distribution accelerates attacking phases, “Make the right decision quickly and deliver the decision with quality is an outstanding quality… that’s worth its weight in gold.”
This aligns with Liverpool’s reported recruitment messaging, which Davis summarised as prioritising “technical quality being the most important part of differentiation.”
Elliot Anderson Comparison and Physical Profile
While Wharton offers technical orchestration, Elliot Anderson brings a broader physical and defensive output. Davis noted external interest, stating, “Liverpool have absolutely looked at him, but both Manchester clubs have done more groundwork.”
Barter contextualised Anderson’s defensive numbers, “Forest don’t have a lot of ball… so his defensive metrics are going to look better because you’ve got more opportunity to do defensive work.”
Even so, his attacking contribution remains credible, “He still comes out like 85th percentile for shot assists, 83rd percentile for touches in the box.”
Defensively, the data is striking, “Defensive actions, 98th percentile and successful defensive action 100%.”
Passing reliability also compares favourably. Barter observed, “His passing is at 82. That’s more like a Liverpool centre mid than Wharton.”
Balance, Fit and Midfield Construction
Ultimately, the debate centred on partnership and balance rather than superiority. Barter summarised the stylistic split, “If you want him to orchestrate your midfield, he’s a good player to do that. If you want him to shut the shop up, not quite sure.”
On Anderson, he added, “He’s got the physical side of it as well… the running.”
Importantly, he sees compatibility, “I think they could play together to be honest with you.”
Davis closed by reinforcing recruitment pragmatism, stating that either arrival would excite supporters given their “outstanding Premier League experience,” but squad balance, especially physicality in deeper zones, remains decisive.
