While Liverpool raced to three Champions League finals, a Premier League title, and numerous title challenges, Manchester United struggled with constant squad changes and expectations to perform better simply because of their name.
Their transfer activity and failure to create a durable, competitive squad are among the key problems in their lengthy list of shortcomings during this period.
One name among many is Alvaro Carreras, the left-back who never played a match for Man Utd. After being loaned to Preston, he excelled during loan spells at Granada and Benfica and has now secured a position as Benfica’s starting left-back.
This comes as Man Utd faces challenges finding a left-back to replace Luke Shaw, who has dealt with injury issues, even resorting to playing Sofyan Amrabat in that position last season.
He was sold for a modest fee of just €6 million at the end of last season. Since then, Carreras has taken advantage of the opportunity presented to him due to injuries within the squad and has stepped into a starting role. In this position, he has truly excelled, playing a pivotal part in Benfica’s last seven matches, showcasing his skills and adaptability on the field.
Among his impressive performances, the highlight of Carreras’ season so far came during the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid last week, where he delivered an exceptional display. His contribution was instrumental in leading the Portuguese team to a commanding 4-0 victory, further establishing his value to the squad and proving that he is more than capable of performing at the highest level.
A Robertson replacement?
Spanish publication Diario AS is now reporting that Liverpool is considering Carreras as a possible replacement for Andy Robertson.
It has started to feel like Robertson is entering the latter stages of his Liverpool tenure. Whilst he is undoubtedly Liverpool’s starting left-back, head coach Arne Slot’s willingness to play Kostas Tsimikas more and more whilst Robertson cuts a frustrated figure off the pitch means a replacement will be needed sooner rather than later.
Although neither player has recorded a goal involvement this season, Carreras’ underlying statistics are encouraging. He has an expected assists figure of 0.8 so far this season, indicating that the finishing on the chances he has created has been lacking.
This season, Carreras has outperformed Robertson in several key metrics, recording more progressive passes, carries, and receptions per 90 minutes. This impressive statistic suggests that Carreras can replicate the attacking style of play we have come to admire from Robbo over the years. His capacity to successfully advance the ball and maintain possession demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that aligns well with Liverpool’s attacking philosophy.
In terms of shot-creating actions, Carreras is significantly outpacing Robertson, with an average of 3.77 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, while Robbo has recorded only 2.28. This stark contrast highlights Carreras’ knack for not only creating opportunities but also actively contributing to his team’s offensive efforts.
On the defensive front, Carreras continues to impress with a tackle and interception rate of 2.95 per 90 minutes, which is markedly higher than Robertson’s 1.4. This indicates that Carreras is not only effective in attack but also plays a crucial role in defensive situations. Additionally, his tackle success rate stands at an impressive 63.6%, compared to Robertson’s 50%, showcasing his ability to win duels and regain possession for his team. Together, these metrics paint a picture of a player who is ready to make a significant impact on the pitch, combining both offensive creativity and solid defensive capabilities.
He presents a dynamic presence and, at only 21, could patiently wait for Robertson to gradually step back from the position.
What Manchester United loses could, as always, be Liverpool’s advantage.
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