Givairo Read Profiled: Liverpool Eye Dutch Right-Back for Squad Depth | OneFootball

Givairo Read and the Liverpool Link: Raw Talent, Slot Connection and a £20m Question

Liverpool’s interest in emerging Dutch right-back Givairo Read may seem speculative on the surface, but there’s growing data and familiarity backing up the buzz. Featured on the Transfer Market Metrics podcast from Anfield Index, Phil Barter and Dave Davis took a detailed, metric-based look at the 18-year-old, highlighting why Read may be more than just another Eredivisie breakout.

Starts, Stats and Slot’s Watch

Read, who plays for Arne Slot’s former club, Feyenoord, has caught attention by doing what few his age have managed — clocking 17 starts, including Champions League appearances, and holding his own against elite opposition.

“He’s played three times in the Champions League,” Davis noted, “and did very well, especially… against Rafa Leão.” The Portuguese winger, known for his speed and status, didn’t have much joy. “He stopped 91% of the threat he faced in that game,” Barter added, calling it “pretty exceptional.”

Slot, now Liverpool’s manager, is familiar with Read, having given the teenager his breakthrough. That connection matters — “Arnold Slot will know about this kid,” said Davis — and it hints at trust in the youngster’s potential beyond raw numbers.

On-Ball Reliability with Flashes of Progression

While still in the early stages of his career, Read’s metrics are encouraging. Barter detailed:

“Neat and tidy might be a good description,” Barter summarised.

The physical data is promising too: “Clocked so far at 34.3 km/h,” Davis revealed. “Quick players are always good,” Barter agreed.

Limitations and Positional Fit

There are, however, caveats. “He hasn’t won a single aerial duel this season,” Barter stated. Defensively, Read’s numbers are limited by sample size, but Barter stressed, “He does his fair share… doing his job, doing his role.”

The tactical fit is also intriguing. “He’s wider in a more traditional shape than our normal full-backs,” Barter explained, suggesting he may resemble Conor Bradley more than Trent Alexander-Arnold in style. That shift could appeal to Slot’s system, which values more structured full-back roles.

Davis raised the question: “Any chance of him being a Conor Bradley understudy?” Barter’s response: “If he carries that going for the rest of the season… that sounds like a deal that is reasonable to do.”

Price Point and Potential

The projected £20–25 million fee is realistic in today’s market. “That price point is… nothing in today’s business, is it really?” Barter noted. The concern, however, is whether Liverpool see Read as a backup or a future starter. “That would be if you’re happy with Bradley being your starting right-back.”