Scouting Report: Maximilian Beier - A Talented Versatile Attacker

Written on 24/12/2023

Reports from Germany have linked Liverpool with a versatile Hoffenheim forward Maximilian Beier. It has also been stated that there are a few clubs in the Bundesliga and the Premier League looking to sign the 21-year-old either in January or the summer window. 

While the Reds are stocked in the forward line for the moment, there seems to be a reliance on Mohamed Salah for goal contributions along with the hope that Diogo Jota comes back from injury and hits the ground running while the former is away with Egypt for AFCON in January and early February. (For context - Salah has 19 G+A in the league this season, the next best is Darwin Núñez at nine G+A).

It won’t surprise me if the club are looking at Beier as a possible transfer in the summer after offloading one of the current forwards. On the contrary, since the German is a right-footed attacker, we might see them looking to sign a left footer to potentially replace Salah if the Egyptian leaves for Saudi Arabia. A lot of things will be in the air after the end of this season.

For now, let’s focus on Beier a bit more and learn about him as a player, what he brings to the table and where he could possibly fit in the Liverpool system.

Introduction and Profile - Max Beier

Beier started out as a youth player with FC Energie Cottbus before signing for Hoffenheim as a 16-year-old for their U17 side. After plying his trade at the latter for a few years, the 21-year-old went on a two-year loan deal to Hannover 96, a second division Bundesliga side. He came back to Hoffenheim last summer and has been a regular starter for them in Germany’s top-flight this season.

The German U21 international is a right-footed attacker (can hit it with his left) who, although prefers to operate as a number nine, can play on either side of the forward line as well. He has a lot of pace to burn and is getting better at shooting along with quick feet in and around the opposition box to go past defenders. At just over 6ft, the youngster has the height to contest and win important aerial duels in the penalty box. 

In Hoffenheim’s go-to 3-5-2 or 3-4-1-2 system, Beier has predominantly played up top alongside Wout Weghorst. The former hugs the left channel and operates in the space between the centre-back and fullback. The pace is there to make runs in behind and complement well with his attacking partner, who has more physical strength and less speed.

The touchmap gives us a better idea of where the 21-year-old is comfortable playing his best football. Almost 80-85% of the action on the centre and left-centre region.

The season heatmap offers us similar insight. It also shows that he is comfortable in dropping deep and linking up with the midfield to create attacks. There is more to him than just a penalty box finisher for sure.