Barcola vs Diomande: Transfer Market Metrics Analysis of Liverpool’s Winger Targets

Liverpool’s evolving recruitment model continues to place wide attackers under the microscope, and in a detailed discussion on the Transfer Market Metrics podcast, Phil Barter joined Dave Davis to profile two standout names, Barcola and Diomande. Using data, video scouting, and role projection, the pair assessed how each winger might fit into Liverpool’s attacking framework.

Their conversation offered layered insight into output, adaptability, and readiness for Premier League demands, with both players ranking highly in Barter’s internal model.

Diomande’s Data Profile and Premier League Projection

Barter placed Diomande in his silver medal position, outlining a statistical profile that immediately catches the eye.

“I think he’s a cracking player,” Barter said, highlighting the ceiling he sees in the winger. He pointed to measurable growth, adding, “He’s up to 93 player impact. He was around 90 last time we looked.”

From an attacking data standpoint, the indicators are strong. “Goals, xG, shot accuracy are all in the high percentiles you’d want,” he explained, before expanding into creative metrics, “xA, shot assisting threat, these are all in really good percentiles for a winger.”

Carrying ability stood out as a defining trait. “The carrying actions and everything, carrying threat, the yards made are in 93 to 100,” Barter noted, framing Diomande as a transition weapon capable of advancing play quickly.

Versatility also featured heavily in the analysis. “He’s played nearly a thousand minutes on the right wing but he’s also played a fair chunk on the left wing, gives you versatility.”

Barter described him stylistically as “a wide poacher and a creative winger,” while acknowledging defensive development areas. “Defensively, sure, he’s not as high as some of the others, but it’s still not a bad little notch.”

Importantly, he believes coaching can close gaps. “Because he’s in the right areas we probably coach those kind of elements.”

Physically, adaptation risk appears lower. “This kid is physically bigger… he’s already quick, he’s muscular.” He even cited top speed data, “His pace… that was 35.9, rounding is 36. That’s rapid.”

The conclusion was emphatic, “I think this is a really good player. I’d certainly be happy with signing this guy if he walked in the door.”

Barcola’s Attacking Ceiling and Tactical Influence

If Diomande represents explosive upside, Barcola sits at the top of Barter’s rankings.

“I like Barcola, I think he’s a great player and if there’s any chance to get this lad I just would,” he said.

Technical variety defines his appeal. “He beats a man with a trick, does it with pace, passes, shoots, his timing is really good.”

Positional intelligence adds further value. “I’ve seen him play left, right, in the centre all with equal quality.”

Operating within a dominant possession side has shaped his profile. “He plays for a dominant team who are used to having possession.”

Statistically, his production remains solid. “He’s got a total of seven goals, one assist… his pass accuracy is all over 80%, considering he’s taking risks.”

Barter highlighted his territorial influence, particularly from the left. “That is the left half space completely dominated by him.”

Chance creation patterns align with Liverpool’s structure. “He’s putting balls into the left hand side of the box… which is what you want your player to be doing.”

Even his shooting zones reflect tactical balance. “If he can’t find a body… this lad’s having a shot profile here.”

Dial Movers and Squad Impact

Barter framed the difference between the two as marginal but meaningful in immediate impact.

“I think Diamande would as well, but it might take a little bit more time for him to adapt.”

By contrast, Barcola’s effect could be instant. “If you get a chance to sign a top, top player… I think this guy would definitely move the dial.”

He summarised the gap succinctly, “Barcola comes in and moves it a lot, whereas Diamande comes in and moves it a notch.”

Recruitment Strategy and Wider Scouting Trends

The discussion broadened into Liverpool’s winger search more generally, with Davis noting, “Liverpool seem to be doing… the most scouting, the most analysis.”

Barter agreed, identifying shared traits across targets. “A key trait in nearly every winger we’ve looked at recently is they have pace. They’re all quick, they can beat a player one v one.”

He added, “They all come inside… that seems to be the priority.”

The end vision appears clear. “We all have a picture now of what the next Liverpool winger is going to look like. It’s just who that actually is.”