Could Quinten Timber Bolster Liverpool’s Midfield for the Right Price? | OneFootball

Quinten Timber and the Liverpool Question: Metrics, Money and a Midfield Conundrum

Liverpool’s recruitment radar rarely rests. And with Arne Slot at the helm, attention is naturally turning to his homeland — and to familiar faces. One such name surfacing with increasing frequency is Quinten Timber of Feyenoord, the 22-year-old brother of Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber. But does he fit the bill for Liverpool? That’s the question Transfer Market Metrics’ latest podcast episode on Anfield Index set out to answer — with data-driven insight from Phil Barter and presenter Dave Davis.

Timber’s Numbers Tell a Mixed Story

Let’s start with the basics. Timber’s minutes are well down this season — 1,300 minutes played compared to over 2,600 last season. As Barter pointed out, “That’s almost half the minutes. Clearly there’s been some injuries this year… something to be wary of going forward.”

Injuries aren’t the only concern. While Timber’s goal contributions have shown promise — “0.54 goals and assists per 90, not far off some of our forwards,” Barter noted — other key midfield metrics raise questions.

“He’s in the third percentile for passes attempted,” said Barter bluntly. “That’s just way down what we’d expect.” Even more stark, Timber attempts just 29 passes per 90 minutes — unusually low for a central midfielder.

Despite a decent 82% pass completion rate, Barter was clear: “For a midfielder who is our workhorse — the ball goes into midfield, goes out — they genuinely are a pivotal part in moving that ball. And I’m being kind, but that is really low.”

Dribbling Strength vs Passing Weakness

Where Timber shines is on the move. His ability to carry the ball is clear. “Carries the ball — 60th percentile — and is in the 82nd percentile for midfielders in the attacking penalty box,” Barter explained. “That’s third-man running, that’s a dominant thing.”

But once again, his volume of passes lets him down. “He can carry the ball, he can dribble — but the passing numbers are just too low. It’s a real line-up,” Barter said. And on shooting contributions: “He’s not involved in a lot of goals… 15th percentile for non-penalty goals.”

Comparing with Liverpool’s Current Options

The comparisons with current Liverpool players were telling. Barter said, “Ryan [Gravenberch] largely dominates on nearly all the metrics or matches him apart from dribbles and progressive passes received.” Even Alexis Mac Allister “dwarfed him on metrics apart from aerials and some of the defensive numbers.”

Structurally, Timber’s style differs from Liverpool’s midfield build-up play. “He’s used to building in a different way,” Barter highlighted. “He’s not as connected as our midfielders generally are.”

Injury History and Price Point: Red Flag or Bargain?

There’s the physical concern too. Timber’s injury is a knee ligament problem — always a risk. “I don’t want to buy injury-prone players anymore,” Barter declared. “I loved Ox when we bought him, but ultimately he broke down.”

However, the fee — reportedly around £15 million — might tempt some. “Fifteen million? That’s the price point where it’s like… really?” Davis asked.

Still, Barter wasn’t convinced: “That’s a huge red flag. I would not be putting any of my money on that.”