Liverpool’s Summer Wing Hunt: Said El Mala and Kevin Schade Under the Transfer Market Metrics Lens

Liverpool’s recruitment planning is already taking shape ahead of the summer window, with wide attacking reinforcements firmly on the agenda. On Transfer Market Metrics for Anfield Index, Dave Davis welcomed analyst Phil Barter to break down the statistical and tactical profiles of potential targets, with particular focus on Said El Mala and Kevin Schade.

Their discussion offered a data driven insight into Liverpool’s thinking, rooted in pace, adaptability, and attacking output.

Wing Recruitment Strategy Taking Shape

Liverpool’s search parameters were outlined early in the conversation. As Davis put it, the club are “definitely looking at wing options,” with profiling work already extensive behind the scenes.

Barter confirmed the stylistic direction of travel, stating:

“They’re all quicker than what we’ve got, to be frank.”

He expanded further on the tactical profile Liverpool appear to favour:

“They all play on the wrong side… they come in, some of them dribble more, some of them pass more, but effectively they’re all looking to coincide, get a shot off.”

This emphasis on inverted wide forwards aligns with Liverpool’s long standing attacking structure, prioritising direct runners capable of one v one isolation and central shot creation.

Within that shortlist, Kevin Schade and Said El Mala emerged as two contrasting, yet closely ranked options.

Kevin Schade’s Premier League Readiness

Barter placed Brentford winger Kevin Schade third in his ranking, citing league adaptation as a decisive factor.

“If you’re going to take a risk, which it is a bit… it’s better that at least they’re used to the league.”

That familiarity reduces uncertainty in performance translation:

“If this lad comes in and he’s not quite there, you’re going to know very… it’s less risky.”

From a metrics perspective, Schade’s output presents encouraging indicators. Barter highlighted his finishing profile:

“He still has decent shot accuracy, XG, he’s in 100 percent for his position.”

However, creativity is less prominent:

“Assist is lower… only about 0.8 XA per 90.”

Positional flexibility strengthens his case. Barter noted:

“I’ve seen him play left, right and he kind of hovers around the middle as well.”

Data mapping supports that versatility:

“He’s got left wing, centre, right wing… minutes across the front line.”

His role classification also reflects Liverpool friendly movement patterns:

“A creative winger… and a wide poacher… someone who comes in from the opposite side.”

Defensively, Schade’s application impressed:

“There’s a lot of green in there, which is success… some good signs.”

One physical metric stood out above all. Davis referenced Premier League tracking data:

“Kevin Schade’s top speed in the Premier League this season at 37.4 kmh.”

Barter’s reaction was emphatic:

“I mean, that is rapid.”

Still, refinement remains a work in progress:

“He’s a bit raw… very obviously trying to shift it onto a shooting foot.”

Said El Mala’s High Ceiling Profile

Said El Mala, the Koln teenager, represents the developmental alternative. Davis framed the upside clearly:

“He’s a dribbling talent… only 19… his ceiling might well be higher.”

Barter did not dispute the potential, yet contextualised the risk within Liverpool’s competitive timeline.

“It might take some time.”

Contractual context also complicates matters. Davis pointed out:

“He has only just signed a new deal.”

While both analysts acknowledged the excitement around El Mala’s skillset, immediate impact weighed heavily in the ranking model.

Barter’s broader concern centred on Bundesliga adaptation:

“They do typically take a bit longer.”

That transition curve becomes critical if Liverpool require instant output:

“You want someone to come in and get going so you can get the points on the board.”

He framed the decision within competition context:

“This is a Europa League signing… you want someone to hit the ground running.”

Even with El Mala’s flair acknowledged, Barter concluded Schade edged the comparison:

“Just above El Mala… for the Premier League experience.”

Risk Balance in Liverpool’s Decision

The debate ultimately reflected two recruitment philosophies, proven readiness versus elite potential.

Barter summarised the compromise tier both players occupy:

“We’re down to sort of a second tier player.”

Yet Liverpool’s situation, competitive objectives, and adaptation timelines shape the weighting of that risk.

As Davis noted, both could realistically share the same ranking slot:

“We could have put both of these on the third place bronze medal podium.”

In a market where wide depth is becoming essential, Liverpool’s choice between Said El Mala’s explosive upside and Kevin Schade’s Premier League proven pace may hinge on immediacy versus projection.