Marc Guéhi to Liverpool: Aerial Concerns vs On-Ball Strengths | OneFootball

Marc Guéhi to Liverpool: Value, Risks and Fit

This is an abridged version; the full article is available free on our ‘It Was Always… Liverpool’ Substack page:

Premier League Experience and Tactical Flexibility

With Jarell Quansah departing, Liverpool need a centre-back who can slot in without disrupting structure. Marc Guéhi, an England international and former Crystal Palace captain, fits that bill. While his aerial win rate of 54% is below elite level, Guéhi offers more than numbers in the air. He brings consistent Premier League minutes, positional flexibility and leadership. He has played both sides of a back four, filled in at full-back and stepped into midfield when needed.

For a squad aiming to defend the Premier League title under Arne Slot, having someone who maintains the team’s defensive shape without a noticeable drop in quality is essential. Guéhi might not outperform Van Dijk or Konaté individually, but his inclusion keeps the overall standard high.

Strengths in Possession

Where Guéhi truly shines is on the ball. His passing range is impressive. He ranks in the 98th percentile for through balls and 75th for switches of play. He’s capable of hitting accurate long diagonals, a staple of Liverpool’s approach under both Klopp and, likely, Slot.

His short and medium-range passing stats are less impressive, but context matters. Palace’s tactical setup likely limits options and short-pass flow. At Liverpool, with structured build-up play and more passing angles, those metrics could naturally improve. His long passing volume, in the 71st percentile, shows he’s comfortable progressing the ball under pressure.

Aerial Gaps and Defensive Profile

Aerial duels remain Guéhi’s main weakness. At 54% success, he lags behind Van Dijk and Konaté, both at 72%. However, Guéhi excels in blocks (96th percentile) and is tough to dribble past (second percentile). He suits a system built on positioning, not brute force. If Slot is shifting Liverpool towards a more technical defensive style, Guéhi aligns with that trend.

Guéhi might not replace Konaté’s physical dominance, but he complements him. He’s not a like-for-like substitute, he’s a different type of asset.

Cost and Strategic Fit

At around £45 million, Guéhi offers value. Compared to less proven but more expensive options like Lukeba or Hato, he’s a safer bet. He is ready now, knows the league, and fits into the current tactical evolution.

This move would not grab headlines, but it could stabilise the back line and offer reliable depth. That kind of transfer can define a season.