The Key Stats Behind Liverpool’s Interest in Stefanos Tzimas | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Stefanos Tzimas: A Smart Transfer Move?

Liverpool’s pursuit of young talent continues with Stefanos Tzimas, a highly-rated striker making waves in the Bundesliga 2. In the latest Transfer Market Metrics podcast on Anfield Index, Dave Davis and Dr Phil Barts provided an in-depth statistical analysis of Tzimas, painting a clear picture of why the Reds are leading the race for the young Greek forward.

Stefanos Tzimas: The Hidden Gem

“Let’s be honest,” Dave Davis started, “when this name first came up, many of us were scratching our heads. Stefanos Tzimas isn’t exactly a household name.” However, according to an exclusive by Sam Maguire, Liverpool are in pole position to sign the 19-year-old, who is also attracting interest from Bayern Munich.

Dr Phil Barts, who delved into the stats, emphasised that Tzimas’ numbers stand out, even in a league that doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves. “This kid’s stats in Bundesliga 2 are impressive, especially for his age and limited appearances,” Barts explained. “He’s made just 14 appearances but shows the profile of a forward ready to make the jump.”

The Numbers Behind Tzimas’ Success

Dr Barts broke down the young striker’s key metrics, highlighting his strengths in front of goal.

“Non-penalty goals? He’s in the 97th percentile,” said Barts. “He takes four shots a game, which is very good at his level. It’s important to note that he’s not the type to create chances for others. He’s more of a ‘touch and finish’ player.”

Dave Davis added context to this analysis, comparing Tzimas to current Liverpool forwards. “When you look at his profile, he matches players like Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez,” he said. “His carry and take-on numbers are better than Jota’s, and his non-penalty goals outperform both Jota and Núñez. It’s remarkable for someone who’s only 19.”

Barts also pointed out the player’s pressing ability. “He’s involved in defensive actions higher up the pitch, blocking and stopping threats. That’s a crucial aspect for a forward playing in a pressing system like Liverpool’s.”

Is He Worth the Price?

The conversation naturally turned to finances. According to the podcast, Nürnberg hold a loan-to-buy option at €18 million, but Liverpool’s potential price could be around €25 million. While this may seem steep, both contributors agreed it could be a bargain in today’s market.

Dr Barts made a compelling case for the investment. “25 million for a forward? It’s nothing in football terms. Championship clubs are paying close to that for strikers. If Tzimas keeps progressing, he won’t be playing Bundesliga 2 football next season. Whether it’s with Liverpool, Bayern, or another club, his value will skyrocket.”

Davis chimed in, stating Liverpool must act quickly to avoid missing out. “This reminds me of when we signed players like Robertson and Mane before their value exploded. If we wait, we’ll end up paying double or triple in a year’s time.”

A Return to Liverpool’s Smart Transfer Strategy?

Both Davis and Barts agreed that targeting Tzimas signals a return to Liverpool’s previous transfer strategy under Michael Edwards — identifying undervalued talents before they hit the big time.

“Too often in recent years, Liverpool have found themselves buying players at the top of their value chain,” Davis lamented. “We don’t want to be the club that pays the premium after a player has already made their mark. We need to get them just before they explode.”

Barts concluded with a clear message to Liverpool fans. “Look at his profile. He’s young, fast, and his stats show real potential. The data guys at Liverpool will have seen more than we have. If they think he’s worth it, this could be one of those transfers we look back on as a masterstroke.”

With the January transfer window in full swing, Liverpool fans will be eagerly watching for further developments. Stefanos Tzimas may not be a household name now, but as Davis and Barts highlighted, he has all the makings of a future star.