UNITED Assessing United’s defensive targets...
IN the upcoming transfer window, it looks although Ed Woodward is finally going to invest in a high-quality central defender.
United have evidently required an upgrade in the position since Jose Mourinho’s overly publicised grievance towards the issue in the summer, but United have appeared reluctant.
Recently though, three key names on United’s shortlist have arisen in reference to the summer window, with those players being Kalidou Koulibaly, Joachim Andersen and Milan Skriniar.
All three currently play in Serie A and will likely demand large transfer fees, but which player is the best fit? THE CRITERIA Firstly, it’s important to identify exactly what the Red Devils require from their new central defender, as this is the specification that the targets will be judged based on.
The club appear to desire a commanding figure – a physically imposing leader that will influence the defence. Also, it’s evident that the hierarchy of the club wish to enforce an attractive, modern playing style, but when implementing such a style though, there’s an added emphasis on the technical ability of the central defenders, given the reliance on them to start attacking moves and play despite being pressured.
The blueprint appears to specify a very modern signing – a centre back who’s strong and powerful but is also technically advanced and suited to playing proactive football. THE TARGETS Aerially, the superior physical standings of Koulibaly is emphasised as he tops the list, winning 54.39 per cent of his duels, compared to Andersen who wins 53.15pc.
Skriniar wins just 41.46pc according to Wyscout, which is perhaps a slight concern given the tendency of inferior opposing teams to hit long when faced with a high press.
In terms of leadership, this is an intangible aspect that’s difficult to judge, but it’s likely that Koulibaly and Skriniar are the two top performers in this regard, given that Andersen is just 22 years old.
Koulibaly is perhaps the biggest leader, as he’s renowned for his dynamic handling of situations and authority on the pitch.
Regarding Skriniar, he’s been touted as a potential future captain at Inter Milan, and Tibor Goljan, who coached the player during his teens, was quoted stating: “He has always been the leader on and off the pitch.”
All three perform impressively when focusing on their ball-playing ability, which is evidently a key reason behind the interest developing.
Koulibaly is the most involved in his team’s build-up play, but that’s perhaps due to the stylistic differences between the respective teams, as well as their playing standards. Sampdoria for example, are currently competing at a different level to Napoli.
Regardless though, Koulibaly averages 66 passes per 90 minutes, followed by Skriniar with 60, and then Andersen with 57. When focusing on accuracy though, Koulibaly comes last, with his 90pc being bettered by Andersen’s 91pc and Skriniar’s 93pc.
Despite the slight differences in those figures, all are extremely high and should be perceived positively.
In addition, all three already play under coaches that prioritise attractive, assertive football. As a result, the move and adaptation period at United, perhaps playing under Solskjaer, should be relatively seamless given the playing styles that the players already have ingrained into them. CONCLUSION Overall, the three targets that have been linked bode well for the proficiency of United’s scouting department, because the three evidently boast very similar profiles.
Based on the findings this season, the best option would be Koulibaly.
He’s the most physical and the most authoritative leader, and well as being constructive in possession.
Consequently though, he’s also likely to be the most expensive, given he’s playing for the highest performing club, and he’s currently in his peak years.