An in-depth look at what Northern Ireland international midfielder Alfie McCalmont will bring to Carlisle United. 

Paul Simpson's side confirmed the signing of the 22-year-old Leeds United players on a loan deal until the end of the season. 

Using WhoScored, we took a look at who McCalmont will fit into the Blues ranks.

The Leeds prospect primarily plays in a defensive midfield role, but has creativity and the ability to score a goal in his locker and has been paraded by some Leeds United fans as the 'heir to Kalvin Phillip's throne'.

The Northern Ireland international has had experience at EFL level, including a loan spell at Morecambe which saw McCalmont get a goal and two assists in 26 apperances in the 2021/22 season.

However, it was a loan spell at Oldham Athletic in the 2020/21 campaign in which McCalmont shone. In 36 apperances he found the net on 8 occasions and assisted 6 goals. 

In his breakout season at Oldham, McCalmont defensively averaged 1.5 tackles a game and 1.3 interceptions. He was also responsible for 0.6 clearances a game. 

READ MORE: Carlisle United star Moxon shortlisted for award

Offensively, McCalmont averaged 1.2 shots per game, 0.9 key passes per game and 0.4 dribbles per game. These figures also included an avergae of 35.6 passes per game, a pass success rate of 78.3% and 3.3 long-balls per game.

All these stats are the indication of a player that is well-rounded and can play in a number of roles across the midfield.

In terms of comparisons with players already in the United ranks, the obvious similarities are with Carlisle's midfield general Owen Moxon.

Moxon has been prolific in the heart of the Carlisle midfield, with his offensive and defensive presence proving to be invaluable to the Blues this season.

In 23 league appearances, Moxon has averaged 3.3 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, and 1.4 clearances per game. 

These stats show that Mox is more tenacious than McCalmont but they two have a similar ability to position themselves well for interceptions. 

Offensively, Mox has managed 1.5 shots, 2 key passes and 1 dribble per game, again more evidence of his all-rounder role in the Carlisle midfield. 

Compared to the McCalmont going forward, Mox has the edge, but the Northern Ireland international also has an eye for a pass and will be an asset in the Blues buildup play. 

Finally, in terms of passing, Moxon has averaged so far, 38.5 passes per game and has a pass success rate of 64.7 per cent.

In these stats, Carlisle's newest signing will add more ball retention to the Blues midfield and could partner well with the tenacious Moxon.

Whilst the dizzying heights of Moxon's perfromances are the bar at Carlsile United, it is apparent that Simpson has secured the services of a talented player in McCalmont, who will no doubt strengthen the Blues side.

READ MORE: New signing McCalmont: Why I was so keen to come to Carlisle United