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: ![What is the question if the answer is Dayot Upamecano ? [THREAD]: @DerAugustus](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtdgX3zXcAAPy65.jpg "What is the question if the answer is Dayot Upamecano ? [THREAD]: @DerAugustus")
As we all know by now, David Alaba is sadly leaving us and the board is facing the hard task of replacing once again a club legend and an important figure in the starting XI but also planning for the future since Boateng another club legend could be leaving next summer aswell.
Before thinking about how can we replace Alaba, we should understand why David is so important for Flick, what does he offer on the pitch :
- Build up/Passing
- Speed
- Tactical awareness
- Leads the high line
- Left footed
- Leadership
- Versatility
- Build up/Passing
- Speed
- Tactical awareness
- Leads the high line
- Left footed
- Leadership
- Versatility
While we are firm believers that nothing tops the eye test, for the passing/build up we are going to use data to compare the 3 centerbacks passing ability :
PASSING : We can notice that Upamecano is a very good passer, compared to the Bayern centerbacks he offers something similar, taking less risks with his passes.Alaba on the other hand is the far superior CB in terms of progressive passes, key passes, passes in the final 1/3.
Bayern's playstyle, Alaba's role in Bayern and his undeniable talent does help him hit better stats than all other centerbacks ( He has more Passes in to the penalty area and the final third in 2020/21 than Van dijk last season per example).
Can Upamecano offer the same thing ?
Can Upamecano offer the same thing ?
Based on my opinion, yes and no, i do believe that with good coaching he can improve, he is only 22y.o but we shouldn't forget that Upamecano has a different profile, he is more of a dribbler and tend to progress with the ball beating the press, rather than just passing it.
So before closing this chapter, the best option in my opinion if we want to replace Alaba by someone who offers the same qualities in terms of passing, then we should go for :
Yes, Kempf one of the most underrated Centerbacks in the league will be the best option.
Speed : High defensive line means high risk, any counter can be deadly and any small mistake can lead to a goal. To lower the risk, quick feet become a must and here you can hardly match
Speed : High defensive line means high risk, any counter can be deadly and any small mistake can lead to a goal. To lower the risk, quick feet become a must and here you can hardly match
the fastest centerback in the league.
Tactical awareness : Upamecano isn't only fast, he is also tactically one of the best centerbacks around. This made him lead Leipzig back line at the age of 21, dropping a masterclass in the UCL QF's against Atleti.
Tactical awareness : Upamecano isn't only fast, he is also tactically one of the best centerbacks around. This made him lead Leipzig back line at the age of 21, dropping a masterclass in the UCL QF's against Atleti.
Dayot is comfortable playing RB, LiB (back3), CB, LCB, RCB due to his pace and tactical intelligence.
High line : In the pictures you'll be able to see Upamecano not only leading the high back line, but also covering his teammates who left him alone vs RAUMDEUTER and Goretzka.
High line : In the pictures you'll be able to see Upamecano not only leading the high back line, but also covering his teammates who left him alone vs RAUMDEUTER and Goretzka.
It doesn't get any harder than defending that duo on your own when they have lot of space but Upamecano was smart and fast enough to catch Muller and to commit a simple push foul and save Leipzig from a deadly attack.
Left footed : While Upamecano is comfortable playing LCB
Left footed : While Upamecano is comfortable playing LCB
he is a right footed defender, plus we already have Lucas.
Leadership : Upamecano is already very experienced for his age, but also extremely brave, hard worker and a rising leader.
Just like Alaba, Upamecano isn't afraid being at the heart of play, taking risks for the team
Leadership : Upamecano is already very experienced for his age, but also extremely brave, hard worker and a rising leader.Just like Alaba, Upamecano isn't afraid being at the heart of play, taking risks for the team
but in terms of leadership it takes some time, Alaba aswell wasn't a leading figure at 22 y.o so we should be patient with Upa.
Versatility : Just like Alaba, Upamecano is perfectly versatile and can play any role in the back 4/back 3.
Versatility : Just like Alaba, Upamecano is perfectly versatile and can play any role in the back 4/back 3.
This offers Bayern and Hansi more flexibility and the ability to play the most performant Center back next to him.
Upamecano can be LCB with Sule/Boateng and RCB with Lucas but can also lead a back 3 and very few Centerbacks can be this good and versatile.
Upamecano can be LCB with Sule/Boateng and RCB with Lucas but can also lead a back 3 and very few Centerbacks can be this good and versatile.
Now, we compared both based on what Alaba offers best and of course David was superior in some areas but that doesn't mean that Upamecano won't improve our defense in many other areas.
Dayot is a better tackler, better in the air, faster, stronger, better defensively etc...
Dayot is a better tackler, better in the air, faster, stronger, better defensively etc...
And finally to resume : I believe that if we want someone who can offer exactly the same thing as Alaba my best option will be Kempf, i know this opinion will be highly controversial but of course if we want to take a more complete centerback with a higher ceiling,
A centerback who can be even superior to Alaba (As CB), versatile, talented and able replace both Alaba/Boateng, then Upamecano is the best fit.
I do believe that Flick is highly interested in Dayot too otherwise Bayern won't be forcing so hard to get him.
I do believe that Flick is highly interested in Dayot too otherwise Bayern won't be forcing so hard to get him.
END!
