Report: Stats show midfield target fits Liverpool on ball but not off it | OneFootball

Angelo Stiller: Off-Ball Concern, On-Ball Assurance for Liverpool?

As Liverpool navigate a pivotal post-Klopp rebuild under Arne Slot, recruitment talk intensifies around central midfield. On a recent Transfer Market Metrics episode on Anfield Index, Dave Davis and Dr Phil Barter cast a critical eye over Bundesliga midfielder Angelo Stiller — and the verdict was nuanced.

Stiller, a 23-year-old left-footed German international currently playing in the Bundesliga, has a growing profile. And while his technical ability on the ball drew praise, his off-ball output raised flags — particularly in the context of Liverpool’s intense, physical midfield demands.

Standout Passing Profile

What Stiller offers in possession is compelling. Dr Phil Barter described him as a “possession-based midfielder… with great opportunities.” He highlighted that Stiller is “on the ball pretty much every minute taking a touch or a pass every minute” — exactly what Liverpool seek from a deep-lying distributor.

The stats back it up emphatically. “97% of progressive passes — that’s brilliant, that’s a fix,” Barter confirmed. His 88% pass completion places him in the 79th percentile, while he’s also in the 97th percentile for passes attempted, showcasing both volume and consistency.

Even more tellingly, Stiller ranks in the 89th percentile for shot-creating actions and 83rd percentile for non-penalty expected assists. “That’s pretty good,” Barter observed, noting that most of his attacking contribution stems from clever, forward-thinking passes rather than individual dribbles or bursts.

Off-Ball Numbers Raise Doubts

Despite his class in possession, Stiller’s limitations off the ball were laid bare. Barter did not sugar-coat it: “24% of tackles, 34 percentile interceptions, 53 percentile blocks… to be frank with you, they’re just not [good enough].”

Davis echoed this concern bluntly: “There is concerns off the ball in the most physical league in the world… anyone who says anything different is lying — we spelled that out as clear as day.”

His aerial duel percentage also underwhelms. “Aerials 35,” noted Barter. “Last season he was 100 at 50 percentile… so this season drops off that area.”

Such defensive metrics may not align with Liverpool’s pressing intensity and physical robustness, particularly in a holding midfield role.

Physical Data and Positional Fit

Physically, Stiller isn’t rapid — but not immobile either. His top speed was clocked at 30km/h, and he’s covered 288km across 26 games, which Barter said was “more miles on the clock than Larsson.” He weighs in at 77kg and stands at six foot — “probably a bit light for a six-footer,” Barter suggested, though not overly concerning.

Photo: IMAGO

Positional data indicates that he operates centrally and links well in “box formations creating triangles to the left and right.” While not expansive or dynamic like some of Liverpool’s existing midfielders, he remains a structured fulcrum in build-up.

Release Clause and Value Judgement

Financially, Stiller presents an intriguing value proposition. Davis reported that his current club would be open to selling this summer for “somewhere around 35 million” despite his official €36.5m release clause not activating until 2026.

“This might be worth more of a risk than the previous lad [Larsson],” Barter admitted. “On the ball is far superior… for half the price, that could be a really good deal.”

Davis agreed, suggesting that Stiller’s technical assurance could make him an appealing option: “There’s a lot to like on the ball… it could be a good deal, an interesting one to consider.”

Final Word

For Liverpool, Angelo Stiller is no slam dunk. His off-ball game raises legitimate concerns, especially in the Premier League’s relentless tempo. But his passing pedigree and midfield control make him a potentially smart signing — especially at a comparatively modest fee.

As Davis put it best: “Stiller on the ball, there’s a lot to like… Off the ball is a concern.”

If Liverpool can balance that equation, they may yet find value in a player who offers calm, cultured control in the middle of the pitch.