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Liverpool's research team have been fantastic since joining and look to continue to do so.

Who helps Michael Edward's?

Sporting Director Michael Edwards is a genius in transfers but he doesn't do it all alone.  He has an amazing team around him.

Director of loan management David Woodfine and Tim Waskett, who is in the club's statistical research play huge parts in the recruitment. 

Edwards' second man Julian Ward and Director of Research Ian Graham are also important on Liverpool's off the field brains. 

Director of research Ian Graham spoke recently about what work goes on behind the scenes.

"Recruitment is the only place where the action is at in terms of performance."

"About 20 years ago, physical data became available to purchase. Manchester United bought it and apparently used it to great success, so that made all the other clubs buy it.:

Graham believes analytics have become a key factor now in recruitment across decent football club. 

"They all bought it, but did they use it? Did it improve performance?"

"Or was it just a box-ticking exercise for owners to rest assured and be able to say they were as cutting edge as Manchester United?"

"Analytics was ridiculed when I started working for Liverpool in 2012. In 2021 it's the must-have tool for any forward-thinking football club."

LFCTR Verdict 

These are the brain boxes behind all the success we have been having. Their recruitment has been nothing less than exceptional.  

Michael Edward's and his staff deserve all the praise they get. All their research and hard work has paid off. 

I hope they stay for a long time alongside Klopp and continue to bring us success.

This article first appeared on FanNation LFC Transfer Room and was syndicated with permission.

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