DBasia.news – Ben Davies’ fate would soon change. The Preston North End defender is just one step away from officially joining Liverpool.
From the second division club of the English League to the defending Premier League champions. Even so, Davies is expected to be able to overcome the problem of the central defender crisis experienced by Jurgen Klopp’s team.
The decision to choose Davies was somewhat surprising. As the Reds actually have many choices. Liverpool have reportedly been interested in Arsenal defender, Shkordan Mustafi and West Ham United defender, Issa Diop.
Not only that, Bayern Munich defender David Alaba is said to be on Klopp’s shopping list. Even Liverpool have made an approach since the beginning of the year.
As reported by the Mirror, the value factor, experience and ability are Liverpool’s main considerations to add troops in this January transfer market. Obviously, compared to the names of other defenders, Davies is cheaper.
Liverpool signed Davies, a 25 year old defender, for just 2 million pounds. Preston was forced to let Davies go rather than lose him for free in the transfer market next summer as his contract would run out.
Liverpool’s decision cannot be separated from a method known as Moneyball. This recruiting method was invented by Billy Beane, a statistician who later became the key to the success of the Boston Red Sox baseball club, which is also under FSG, the same as Liverpool.
Moneyball is a recruiting method using statistical data. In essence, it is to look for low-value players who have good data and statistics, and are in accordance with the team’s needs.
For Davies, Jurgen Klopp is said to have not received a single negative assessment from his talent scouts. With 250 appearances in the senior team, Davies is considered mature to play at a higher level.
Even Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola is reportedly interested in Davies, who appeared solid in the match against City in the League Cup last season.
Davies is also in the sights of several Bundesliga clubs. Steven Gerrard’s Glasgow Celtic champions Scottish League, even openly stated that he wanted his services in the transfer market this winter.
Davies was not Liverpool’s new target either. He has been monitored since joining Preston’s senior team in the 2017-2018 season.
Will Moneyball this time be successful, like when Liverpool brought in Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Gini Wijnaldum, or Andrew Robertson? It is interestingly awaited.