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. @SassuoloUS's Manuel Locatelli has been impressive since 18 months yet has gone unnoticed for quite some time. With concerns over #Wijnaldum's future at @LFC, here's a long thread as to why the @premierleague champions should consider signing Locatelli as their new no.5.
Considering the fancy part of the stats first. Locatelli is evidently taller and stronger than the Dutch. While they have played almost the same no. of minutes, there is little that separates both the midfielders, barring the SCA and GCA numbers.
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While Locatelli has had more shots at the goal, in terms of the threat, Gini has the upper hand with 33.3% shots on target and more SoT/90. However, Locatelli drives more shots from a longer range than Gini, something not many in #LFC are doing currently.
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#TacticallyObsessed
Nothing much that separates Gini & Loca in the passing department. Though in the long passes Locatelli sits at underwhelming 70.4% while Gini has 92% accuracy, the Italian compensates in the progressive distance carrying the ball closer to the attacking D.
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#TacticallyObsessed
One of the strong points of Gini is his defensive contribution to the team but Manuel Locatelli has overwhelming numbers over the Dutch counterpart here. Wijnaldum provides more successful pressures than Manuel but the difference is marginal in totality.
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#TacticallyObsessed
Another strong point of Gini is his skill to retain possession. But on this front too, Locatelli is a clear winner. Though he has had more miscontrols, Locatelli has put his physical strength to effective use in recovering the ball.
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#TacticallyObsessed
Locatelli has been better in interceptions, winning tackles and aerial duels but while doing so, he has compromised the disciplinary points, earning 4 YCs as opposed to Gini's 0. However, that is something that can be worked upon and improved with time.
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Besides this, Locatelli has an equally astounding fitness record like Gini's. Though one may argue that #SerieA isn't an intense league, he is considered to be one of the best midfielders in the league, operating as DM as well as box-to-box midfielder.
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#TacticallyObsessed
Before zeroing down on #Locatelli, players like LFC loanee Marko Grujic, Fabian Ruiz and James Ward-Prowse. But factors like familiarity to the role, age, efficiency & market value inclined things in Locatelli's favour. End of Thread.
Stats courtesy: @fbref
#TacticallyObsessed
Stats courtesy: @fbref
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Would appreciate your take on this piece @AshwinRaman_ @armbandmedia @RowdenJRSG @Tactical_Times @rtcaino_ynwa
