Is Lamine Camara a Good Fit for Liverpool Under Arne Slot | OneFootball

Lamine Camara: Liverpool’s Next Midfield Target?

A Deep Dive Into His Metrics and Potential Fit Under Arne Slot

Lamine Camara has emerged as a name linked with Liverpool as they continue to reshape their squad under Arne Slot. On the Transfer Market Metrics podcast, Dave Davis and Dr Phil Barter analysed Camara’s statistics, strengths, and weaknesses to determine whether he could fit into the Reds’ midfield.

Camara, currently at Monaco after a move from Metz, has been generating interest due to his versatility. But as Barter pointed out, there are several factors to consider before placing him high on any transfer wishlist.

Camara’s Versatility and Strengths

One of Camara’s biggest selling points is his ability to play across multiple midfield roles. As Barter explained, “This is a player who can play the six, the eight and is an all-round player.” That flexibility could be valuable in a Liverpool midfield that demands positional adaptability.

Statistically, he is showing signs of steady improvement. “His goals and assists have crept up over the last two or three seasons,” Barter noted. Specifically, his assists have increased from 0.6 G to 3.9, while his expected goal contribution has nudged upwards.

Passing metrics also indicate growth. “His pass volume has increased, and his pass completion has improved,” Barter observed, attributing this to better decision-making. His long ball completion has also risen, suggesting a developing range of distribution.

Camara’s defensive contributions are notable too. “Interceptions, tackles—he’s in the 80th percentile,” Barter stated, highlighting his ability to block passing lanes and disrupt opposition play. “He’s doing what we need him to do,” Davis added.

Weaknesses That Could Hold Him Back

Despite his strengths, there are notable concerns about Camara’s suitability for Liverpool’s midfield, particularly under Slot’s high-intensity approach.

His ability to progress the ball is a point of contention. “He’s not really a carrier and doesn’t make progressive passes,” Barter remarked. For a midfielder playing in a high-possession team, this could be an issue. His pass completion stands at 80th percentile, which Barter suggested was “quite low” for a team that requires precise ball retention.

Then there’s the physical aspect. “He is absolutely tiny,” Davis stated bluntly. At 173cm, Camara is significantly shorter than many Premier League midfielders. Barter elaborated, “That’s small—let’s not even beat around the bush here. That’s Mac (Alexis Mac Allister) kind of level.” He questioned whether Liverpool could afford to field two smaller midfielders in the same system.

His impact in the opposition’s box also presents a mixed picture. While he ranks highly for shot-creating actions and assists (“95th percentile,” Barter noted), his goal-scoring remains underwhelming. “He’s low down, but you’d see that with Dom [Szoboszlai] and others,” he added.

Is He a Priority Signing for Liverpool?

Both Davis and Barter concluded that while Camara has qualities Liverpool might admire, he is unlikely to be high on their shortlist. “He’s on the list, but he’s never going to be at the top of it,” Davis said. Barter agreed: “I’d be really shocked with this as a first choice.”

The comparisons made were revealing. “If we’re spending a lot of money on a young guy, the PSG midfielder we looked at last time would be much higher up,” Barter said, indicating Camara isn’t the standout option available.

Liverpool’s transfer targets will likely prioritise physicality, technical security, and progressive passing—all areas where Camara has some limitations. As Barter concluded, “He could be on the list, but it would be a lower choice for me.”

Final Thoughts

Lamine Camara’s potential move to Liverpool sparks an interesting debate. His versatility, defensive awareness, and improving passing game are attractive traits. However, concerns over his physicality, progressive passing, and overall impact on the ball may limit his appeal to a club with Liverpool’s ambitions.