Jorrel Hato vs Lewis Hall: Arne Slot facing CRUCIAL left-back dilemma

This season it has become clear that the left-back spot has to be a priority in the summer transfer window.

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Andrew Robertson has been a great servant for the Reds, but his performance levels have begun to decline and, although he has been an admirable back up, Kostas Tsimikas doesn’t appear to be good enough to step up.

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It’s for these reasons that Liverpool must look to sign someone to make the left-back spot their own in Arne Slot’s side.

A number of names have been linked but two that stand out are Jorrel Hato and Lewis Hall, so who would be better for the Reds?

Hato vs Hall: the statistical battle

Hato was spotted at Anfield earlier this season and Liverpool’s interest in Hall was exclusively revealed by Anfield Watch earlier this week, so there’s a real chance either could end up at Liverpool next season.

Statistically they are both outstanding candidates, having provided six and four assists this season respectively. By comparison Robertson has only managed one.

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The two targets do have slightly different profiles as players though, Hato has many fewer touches in the opposition third for example, and Hall completes around 10 passes more per 90.

Although he has provided more assists, Hato is a more defensive-minded option, completing 3.56 tackles and interceptions per 90, compared to Hall’s 3.0 and Robertson’s 2.35. Hato also has the best aerial dual win percentage at 52.2%, just edging Hall’s 50.8% and over doubling Robertson’s 25%.

The other factors to consider

The obvious advantage that Hall holds is his Premier League experience. The 20-year-old is in his second season with Newcastle, and also made nine league appearances for Chelsea in his final season for the club.

Hato, who is in his third season for the Ajax senior team at just 18 years old, hasn’t yet experienced the English top-flight, and therefore could take longer to adapt to Slot’s side.

Neither target will be available for cheap this summer either. It is believed Hato could be available for around €50 million, while Hall could cost up to double the £30 million Newcastle paid for him.

Hato has played almost as exclusively as a left-back for Ajax this season, but his best and preferred position is on the left-side of a centre-back pairing. Whilst this could be viewed as a positive, Hato may not want to remain a full-back and therefore might not be a permanent solution to Liverpool’s problem.

Ultimately, Hall is the more Premier League-ready option – and would likely bring instant results at Anfield. Hato may be more of a project player, and that isn’t necessarily what Slot needs right now.

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Although he may cost more, Lewis Hall is the man Liverpool should be targeting if they want to have as much success next season as they have enjoyed so far this campaign.

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