Davis: “Outshines Gravenberch” as Kamara Stats Put Liverpool on Alert | OneFootball

Kamara Under the Microscope as Liverpool Watch Villa Situation

Boubacar Kamara’s name has emerged again in Liverpool circles, with Dave Davis offering a considered breakdown of the Aston Villa midfielder’s current contract status and lingering injury concerns. Speaking on the Daily Red podcast for Anfield Index, Davis explored Kamara’s profile, availability, and the financial pressures potentially building at Villa Park.

Contract Status Raises Questions

Kamara has two years left on his current deal, and Davis suggested that could become a factor: “He has two years left to go on his contract this summer. With Aston Villa and their finances, are they going to want to give a bump to Boubacar Kamara? That’s a question mark.”

The midfielder’s availability may be shaped by whether Unai Emery’s side qualify for the Champions League — or not. “If Villa don’t get Champions League, surely you fancy Kamara pushes on that one,” Davis said. He also hinted that Villa’s finances might not be as stable as they appear: “There was the report that they’re going to look to do a Chelsea — sell their women’s team to help offset FFP issues.”

Injury History Still Haunts

Kamara’s injury record remains a significant concern for any potential suitor, Liverpool included. Davis was clear-eyed about the risks: “Let’s be again frank on certain things — the injury history ruled out for a long time, wasn’t he? Pretty much all of last season.” He added, “35 games he missed,” referencing the length of his past absences.

Photo: IMAGO

However, there are signs of a return to consistency. “It’s only been six [missed] this season and he’s going close to 3,000 minutes again,” Davis said. That improvement might be enough to shift opinions, especially with Arne Slot expected to assess Liverpool’s midfield depth this summer.

Still, Davis acknowledged some supporters may remain unconvinced: “Some people may just go no straight away… Good this season but long, long injury risk. Could well be a no.”

Defensive Profile Impresses

Despite concerns, Kamara’s defensive contribution stood out to Davis. “His aerials won — 77th percentile. His clearances — 91st percentile. His tackles — 80th percentile. Even his interceptions — 69th percentile.” These are elite numbers for a player in his position.

When compared to Ryan Gravenberch, Kamara arguably shows better defensive value. “He actually, in quite a lot of the defensive metrics, outshines Gravenberch,” Davis pointed out. “Liverpool need physicality in that middle this season.”

Photo: IMAGO

In terms of passing, Davis noted Kamara “averages just over 53 [passes per 90] which is a tiny bit lower than Liverpool’s midfielders but could be worked on. The pass completion — 88.7% — puts him in the 85th percentile.”

Potential Fit for Liverpool

While Davis stopped short of saying a move was imminent, he placed Kamara firmly in the conversation. “He’s one of them that would generally be on my list. I’m not saying it’s at the top but Wharton, Belaba, Kamara — if one of those comes in, I think it’s absolutely massive for us.”

Kamara’s ability to fill in elsewhere is also an asset. “He’s also played at centre-back for a few matches this season,” Davis noted. With Endō possibly departing in the summer, a multifunctional midfielder might be exactly what Liverpool require.