Thread: Castello Lukeba — Statistical Analysis & Tactical Fit at Liverpool
As Arne Slot starts his second season at Liverpool, defensive depth has become a priority following Quansah’s departure.
One name gaining traction is Castello Lukeba, but would he fit?
#LFC #Lukeba
Player Profile
22 Years old
Left-footed CB, 1.84 m, 73 kg
RB Leipzig
23 Bundesliga starts in 24/25 (~2,070 minutes)
Missed just 2 matches (squad rotation)
12 clean sheets in those starts (52% clean sheet rate)
Defensive Profile
1.8 tackles per 90 — prefers reading play over lunging into tackles
1.2 interceptions per 90 — highlights his anticipation in a possession-heavy team
5.9 ball recoveries per 90 — cleans up loose balls and breaks opponent momentum
3.2 clearances per 90 — low because Leipzig press high and recycle possession instead of defending deep
64% defensive duel win rate — solid for a proactive CB stepping into midfield
Overall: he fits a front-foot, high-block system by stopping danger early rather than scrambling deep in the box.
On-Ball Profile
78.2 touches per 90 — one of the most involved CBs in Bundesliga buildup
1.9 progressive carries per 90 — drives the ball into space when opponents drop off
Progressive carry distance: 136m per 90 — indicates comfort pushing play forward
6.5 possessions lost per 90 — low for a CB with high on-ball usage
Overall: he’s calm under pressure, doesn’t panic clear, and is trusted as Leipzig’s first phase initiator — key for Slot’s build-from-the-back plan.
Passing Profile
89.3% pass accuracy — elite for a CB with heavy progressive responsibility
68 passes per 90 — high volume reflects Leipzig’s control and his role as a key link
5.1 progressive passes per 90 — moves the ball through opposition blocks, not just sideways
4.8 long passes per 90, 60% accuracy — mixes short combos with diagonal switches
5.7 passes into final third per 90 — reliably connects back line to midfield and wide players
Overall: not just safe recycling; he actively progresses play, ideal for Slot’s positional rotations and direct vertical passing.
Athletic Profile
Top speed 33.6 km/h — quick enough for recovery runs behind a high line
Average distance covered 6.9 km per 90 — shows he stays mobile in a possession system
Around 20 sprints per match — shows repeated short bursts to step up, cover wide, or track runners
Balanced and agile — helps when defending wingers or pressing high
Overall: not a powerhouse like Konaté but quick and nimble, perfect for covering space left when full-backs push high.
The numbers show three big strengths that translate well to Liverpool’s high-tempo approach.
So let’s take a look at them, and just why they really would make him fit Liverpool
Elite Anticipation
Reads passing lanes early, which explains 1.2 interceptions per 90 even though Leipzig dominate the ball
5.9 recoveries per 90 means he’s alert to second balls and loose passes
Low fouls and few dribbles past him show he stays on his feet — doesn’t overcommit
In Slot’s setup, this means he can step out to press an attacker without exposing the high line too easily
Calmness Under Pressure
89% pass accuracy while being pressed — elite calmness for a young CB
Rarely hacks the ball away — prefers to attract a press then slip a simple pass into midfield
Only 1 error leading to a shot in 2,000+ Bundesliga minutes proves his decision-making is mature
This composure reduces turnovers, vital for Liverpool’s desire to build short under Slot
Progressive Buildup
5.1 progressive passes per 90 and 5.7 into the final third show he breaks lines consistently, not just sideways passing
Carries forward (1.9 per 90) pull opponents out, creating space for midfielders
His left foot gives Liverpool more natural width and switch options on the left side
This style keeps the team connected — no long aimless clearances, more controlled possession
As for all players, especially someone as young as Lukeba, they aren’t flawless
Even a strong Bundesliga season shows a few flaws Liverpool must plan for.
Aerial Duels
58% aerial duel win rate — below Bundesliga CB average (~61%)
Loses physical battles against tall strikers and at set pieces
Needs to improve jump timing and upper body leverage to compete in the Premier League where aerial battles are relentless
Physical Strength
73 kg at 1.84 m makes him agile but not imposing
Can be nudged off when strikers shield the ball with back to goal
Needs to build more muscle to handle physical duels and survive shoulder-to-shoulder challenges against bigger forwards
Risk in Buildup
Attempts brave passes under pressure — 2 turnovers this season directly led to shots
Sometimes too calm in dangerous areas
Needs to balance calmness with quick clearances when press is at maximum intensity
Fit for Liverpool
Slot wants CBs who split wide, push up, and pass forward bravely
Lukeba has the recovery speed and reading of play to defend big spaces behind
His progressive passing and left foot balance the back line’s angles — helps feed wide rotations
His calmness suits Slot’s philosophy of drawing pressure to play through opponents rather than going long
How He Compares to Liverpool’s Other CBs (24/25 League)
Van Dijk -
Pass accuracy 89%
Progressive passes 5.4 per 90
Aerial duels won 75%
Touches per 90 ~72
Clearances 3.8 per 90
Defensive duel win rate 70%
Konaté -
Pass accuracy 87%
Progressive passes 3.6 per 90
Aerial duels won 69%
Touches per 90 ~66
Clearances 4.1 per 90
Defensive duel win rate 72%
Lukeba -
Pass accuracy 89.3%
Progressive passes 5.1 per 90
Aerial duels won 58%
Touches per 90 78.2
Clearances 3.2 per 90
Defensive duel win rate 64%
In short: he’s just as comfortable passing as Van Dijk, more progressive than Konaté, but weaker aerially and in physical duels. Slot would use him to keep the left side flowing while pairing him with a more dominant CB on the right.
Why Slot Would Back Him
Left-footed balance and quick feet complement Van Dijk or Konaté
Proactive pressing traits reduce the need for a deep block
Handles Bundesliga press traps well — a must for Slot’s short passing buildup
Young enough to develop physically under Premier League training
What He Needs to Improve
Bulk up for stronger duels and better aerial battles
Refine jump timing and heading technique
Fine-tune when to play short and when to clear when under high risk
Final Verdict
Castello Lukeba’s 24/25 Bundesliga numbers confirm he’s a modern CB.
Secure on the ball, smart without it, and quick enough to cover behind a high line.
If he can add physical presence, he fits Slot’s system perfectly and could become a cornerstone for Liverpool’s next defensive era.
#Lukeba #Quansah #LFC #Liverpool #Transfers
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