Whenever Liverpool are linked with a midfielder, supporters immediately start analysing the numbers.
Goals.
Assists.
Progressive passes.
Pass completion percentages.
And in Alex Scott’s case, some of the passing statistics from last season do not immediately jump off the page.
But statistics without context can often be misleading.
Because there is a strong argument that much of Scott’s statistical profile reflects the demands placed upon him by Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth rather than any limitation in his ability.
And that is exactly why I believe he could be perfect for Liverpool.
The Stats Don’t Tell the Whole Story
At first glance, Scott’s passing numbers may not compare favourably with some of the Premier League’s elite midfielders.
His pass completion rate last season sat in the mid-80s, which is respectable but below the levels typically posted by Liverpool’s midfielders. Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai all operated closer to the high-80s or low-90s, while many possession-dominant Premier League midfielders regularly exceed 88%.
However, Bournemouth under Iraola were not built around endless possession and safe passing.
They played aggressively.
Directly.
Quickly.
And often vertically.
Players were encouraged to take risks.
To drive forward.
To force situations.
To attack space rather than simply recycle possession.
That naturally affects passing metrics.
When a player is constantly attempting progressive actions, their completion percentages will often suffer.
Scott’s progressive passing numbers also need context. Liverpool’s midfielders benefit from a team that typically enjoys more possession and spends more time in the opposition half. Bournemouth averaged significantly less possession than Liverpool last season, meaning Scott was often attempting forward passes from deeper or more contested situations. Comparing his raw passing output directly with Liverpool’s midfielders therefore risks overlooking the vastly different environments in which those numbers were produced.
Iraola’s Football Demands Courage
One of the most interesting things Iraola has said about football is:
“I sometimes value much more a player carrying the ball and forcing things to happen.”
That philosophy perfectly describes Alex Scott.
He is not the type of midfielder who simply takes the easy option.
He wants to drive forward.
Beat opponents.
Break lines.
Create chaos.
And those qualities are incredibly valuable.
Especially for a Liverpool side that at times last season looked slow, predictable and lacking in dynamism.
More Than Just a Passer
What makes Scott such an attractive player is that he offers much more than passing.
He possesses:
- Excellent ball-carrying ability
- High energy levels
- Tactical intelligence
- Press resistance
- Aggressive work rate
- Positional versatility
He can operate as a number eight, deeper midfielder or even in more advanced areas.
For a manager like Iraola, those qualities are gold dust.
The Perfect Iraola Midfielder?
That is perhaps the biggest reason why the links make sense.
Scott already understands Iraola’s demands.
He has already worked within the system.
He understands the pressing triggers, the intensity and the aggressive mentality required.
That would dramatically reduce any adaptation period.
Liverpool would not simply be signing a talented player.
They would be signing someone already familiar with the manager’s footballing philosophy.
Still So Much Potential
It is also easy to forget how young Scott still is.
At 22 years old, he remains a player with enormous room for development.
Many midfielders do not reach their peak until their mid-to-late twenties.
Liverpool would potentially be acquiring a player capable of contributing immediately while still improving significantly over the coming years.
Why He Makes Sense for Liverpool
Some supporters will focus on the statistics.
Others will focus on the price tag.
But football is ultimately about profiles and fit.
And when you look at the type of football Andoni Iraola wants Liverpool to play, Alex Scott appears to fit almost perfectly.
Aggressive.
Energetic.
Brave.
Direct.
Technically gifted.
Those are exactly the qualities Liverpool need more of.
And that is why, despite what some of the passing statistics may suggest, Alex Scott could be one of the smartest signings Liverpool make if they decide to pursue him.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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