Liverpool’s Next Winger: Why Olise, Diomande and Barcola Lead the Race

Liverpool’s forward line is approaching a moment of recalibration. With Mohamed Salah expected to depart, attention has shifted firmly towards identifying the next elite wide threat. This is not a like-for-like replacement scenario; it is a structural rethink.

Recruitment is already being framed around versatility, tactical adaptability, and output. Analyst Phil Barter offered a clear assessment to Dave Davis on Anfield Index: “Liverpool are still going to need a top quality winger… 100%.”

Yet, what that winger looks like is evolving.

Shift in Winger Profile

Barter’s most compelling argument centres on system flexibility. Rather than relying on traditional touchline-hugging wide men, Liverpool may lean into a more fluid attacking structure.

He explains: “The best performance of the season… was playing a system that we haven’t seen before… and that system doesn’t necessarily mean that you need an out and out right winger.”

Instead, the emphasis shifts towards hybrid attackers capable of operating in half-spaces, contributing to build-up play, and stretching defences situationally rather than permanently.

“You might not need… the outside-in winger that we have traditionally had… your full-back’s going to do that work,” Barter adds.

This tactical nuance is critical when evaluating targets like Olise, Diomande and Barcola.

Olise Sets Elite Benchmark

Among all names discussed, Olise stands apart as the most complete attacking profile. Barter is unequivocal in his stance: “If you have an opportunity to get Olise, you go and get him… it’s that simple.”

His metrics underline the point. Barter highlights near-perfect attacking outputs: “99 for progression, final product 100… shooting 98, creation 100, pass accuracy.”

This is not just a winger; this is a high-volume creator and finisher rolled into one. Crucially, Olise thrives in central pockets as much as wide zones, aligning perfectly with Liverpool’s evolving system.

There are defensive improvements required, but Barter contextualises that: “All three of the top three would need that.”

In short, Olise represents the gold standard—an attacker capable of redefining Liverpool’s right side.

Diomande Brings Explosive Upside

If Olise is the finished article, Diomande is the accelerating force. His rise over the season has clearly shifted perceptions.

Barter admits: “I didn’t see this kid progressing to what he is now… but he’s improved so much.”

What sets Diomande apart is his raw athleticism combined with rapidly improving end product. “Dribbles 99… creation from carries… in the 90th,” Barter notes, before pointing to his finishing: “Final product… 97.”

There remains tactical refinement to address, particularly off the ball, but the trajectory is undeniable.

Barter frames it succinctly: “Sometimes you’ve got to ride the hot hand… he’s on the up.”

For a Liverpool side potentially entering a new attacking cycle, Diomande offers momentum and ceiling.

Barcola Offers Technical Precision

Barcola completes the trio, bringing a different profile—less explosive than Diomande but arguably more refined technically.

“I think he’s technically a very good player… good speed… good output,” Barter explains. However, he tempers expectations regarding adaptation: “Coming from the French league… there is a transition that you have to do.”

Barcola’s strength lies in his intelligence in possession and ability to drift between lines. He is comfortable operating inside, linking play, and contributing creatively rather than purely stretching defences with pace.

That said, in a direct comparison, Barter gives Diomande the edge physically: “He’s quick, but he’s not Diomande quick.”

Still, Barcola remains a high-level option—particularly if Liverpool prioritise control and technical security in the final third.

Recruitment Verdict and Strategic Direction

When pressed to rank the options, Barter’s conclusion is decisive: “Olise number one, Diomande number two… then Barcola.”

However, he also offers an important caveat: “If any of them walked in the door… I’d be [happy] because I think they’re the type of signings that we need.”

That sentiment captures the broader picture. Liverpool are not merely replacing Salah—they are reshaping their attacking identity.

Whether through Olise’s elite output, Diomande’s explosive growth, or Barcola’s technical assurance, the next winger will define the next phase of Liverpool’s evolution.

And as Barter’s analysis makes clear, the club’s decision-makers are not short of compelling options.