Read on Twitter
Out of all the Defenders we have been linked with, I'd narrow down the search to two Centre Backs,
Jules Kounde and Pau Torres.
Jules Kounde and Pau Torres.
Ibrahima Konate is also someone who has been linked with us, however his bad injury record is something that makes him a huge risk to buy, especially when two of our backup defenders, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe are extremely injury prone.
Jules Kounde :-
He is 22 year old right-footed CB. His 5ft 10in frame might deceive some as he is amongst the strongest and best defenders in the world in the air. This is corroborated by him being in the 92nd percentile of defenders in aerials won.
He is 22 year old right-footed CB. His 5ft 10in frame might deceive some as he is amongst the strongest and best defenders in the world in the air. This is corroborated by him being in the 92nd percentile of defenders in aerials won.
He occupies the right side of the pitch, usually driving forward with the ball, venturing into the opposition half. This is show by him being in the 95th percentile in npxG among defenders. He is also in the 96th and 99th percentile for dribbles comp. and touches in att. box.
He is an extremely quick CB who is also very good at covering the space that is left behind when the RB ventures forward. He has good ball playing attributes and is assured on the ball.
All in all, Jules Kounde is an extremely talented CB who has a vey bright future in the game.
All in all, Jules Kounde is an extremely talented CB who has a vey bright future in the game.
Pau Torres :-
Another defender in the La Liga, Pau Torres is someone we have been linked to in the past. He is a 24 year old left-footed CB who is 6ft 3in tall. However, His ability in the air isn't nearly as good as Kounde. He ranks in the 17th percentile for aerials won.
Another defender in the La Liga, Pau Torres is someone we have been linked to in the past. He is a 24 year old left-footed CB who is 6ft 3in tall. However, His ability in the air isn't nearly as good as Kounde. He ranks in the 17th percentile for aerials won.
He usually occupies the left CB role, occupying the left-hand side of the pitch. He progresses the ball very well, ranking in the 89th and 95th percentile for progressive carries and dribbles completed respectively.
Pau Torres has a good ball playing ability, and is an assured passer of the ball.
However, his best attribute is his game intelligence. Even with his lack of pace, he hardly ever gets caught out and cover his spaces really well when the LB takes up advanced positions.
However, his best attribute is his game intelligence. Even with his lack of pace, he hardly ever gets caught out and cover his spaces really well when the LB takes up advanced positions.
Who would I prefer?
To answer this question, we need to analyse the way we play. Ole like the DM to drop back and split the CB's, forming a back 3, forming a wider base while in possession to facilitate better circulation of the ball.
To answer this question, we need to analyse the way we play. Ole like the DM to drop back and split the CB's, forming a back 3, forming a wider base while in possession to facilitate better circulation of the ball.
The CB we buy has to be based on the DM we buy first. I've always been of the opinion that a DM should be the no.1 priority for us this season, and it would solve our defensive structure issues to some extent.
Jules Kounde would be preferred by most fans because of his brilliant stats, however I would prefer to buy Pau Torres. This is considering factors which I shall list below.
Most of the DM's we have been scouting are right-footed (Rice, Ndidi). We need a left footed defender to allow for better passing angles while playing out from the back. Pau would play as our Left CB, meaning that Maguire would return to his preferred Right CB position.
Torres would also cover the spaces left behind while Luke Shaw drives up the pitch. This would be the same for the other side with Maguire and Wan-Bissaka, even though Wan-Bissaka doesn't take up advanced positions as such.
I understand that many may have hesitations over Pau's aerial ability, However, it is not as important as it seems to be. Ruben Dias (22nd) and John Stones (23rd) are not the best defenders in the air, but they are helped out by an excellent defensive structure with a great DM.
We need to start applying concepts of sustained pressure (defending with the ball) on the pitch. It is what makes Guardiola teams so good defensively, and it all starts with getting a good DM, and also a RW.
Stats obtained from @fbref. Heat maps from LaLigaAnalysis and TotalDailySports.
This is the first Thread I have done of this sort. I love some advice and feedback on how to improve from everyone.
Thank You
Thank You
