With the imminent departure of Harry Maguire, our attentions turn more now to those rumours that have been circulating about other centre backs linked to us.
“Dunk valued at £40 million....Tarkowski has a buy out clause of £50 million...’
A lot of money, even in comparison to the huge fee we received/will receive for Maguire (you’re welcome Hull).
So I wanted to actually find out what it was that these offered by comparing their defensive attributes to Maguire’s.
To clarify to any perusing Man United fans - this is not about putting down Maguire but more about comparing two potential players to an exiting defender who has been brilliant for us.
On that note, I firstly want to point out that Maguire stands head and shoulders above the two in terms of attacking. You don’t necessarily see this in the ‘big chances created’ stats or goals and assists but what Maguire provides is that driving forward from the back and I believe he is the best in the league at this and is why Man United were willing to pay so much.
But from a defensively perspective these are the outcomes: (I averaged out the stats against ‘games played’ to make it fair)
Over the course of the 2017/18 season and 2018/19 season (compared separately and accumulatively) , Lewis dunk made more blocks, more interceptions, more tackles, more clearances and more headed clearances that Maguire.
Over the course of the 2017/18 season and 2018/19 season (compared separately and accumulatively), James Tarkowski made more blocks, interceptions, clearances, headed clearances and won more aerial battles than Maguire.
Does this tell me they are catergorically better players than Maguire? No, without comparing them in the same team and set up in a variant of defensive combinations this would be very difficult.
It does help me though, to understand their valuation as a comparison to his and more importantly, demonstrate what qualities they could bring to our defence.
Dunk and Tarkowski
posted on 4/8/19
It could be a big mistake to try to deal with Celtic right now. We could run into someone who would take great delight in stringing us along then pulling the plug at the last minute.
posted on 4/8/19
Apparently, Dunk is not a target.
It is between Tarkovski or Ake.
Both very good defenders. I really rate Ake, but worry about his height given we are already a pretty small team height wise
posted on 4/8/19
Brighton spent £20M on Friday on a new central defender........surely Dunk is now firmly in the frame? UTF
posted on 4/8/19
General thought is that we’re not interested in Dunk.
The prudent thing is to buy nobody and bring on Söyüncü and Benkovic. Problem is it would likely cost us points for a while.
posted on 4/8/19
comment by Magnum (U16400)
posted 7 hours, 24 minutes ago
comment by Merseysidefox (U4842)
posted 21 minutes ago
What is worrying is we’re getting linked with Ajer from Celtic. No criticism to them or him, but I don’t see him as an adequate replacement.
It depends what we’re after in a defender. I think Tarkowski is a miles better defender than Maguire, but he’s very limited when asked to do more than just defend. I like him though, but for £30m, not £50m!
Dunk I can’t say I’ve seen enough of, but he doesn’t inspire me. Again, sounds like a defender’s defender, but we’ve got that covered in Morgan and Evans.
So then we look elsewhere. Personally I would be looking to replace Maguire if Benkovic isn’t ready. I don’t think a Soyuncu is ready to be our main man at the back.
What I’m confused by is the defenders we’re linked with don’t seem suited to Rodgers style of play. But I’m sure he’s working closely with the scouting team and his criteria should be known.
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You shouldn't worry about that. He's better than vvd was at the same age and will be a world class centre half. He would already be an upgrade on maguire
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Bold claims. Who is better out of Ajer and Benkovic?
posted on 4/8/19
Apparently Leicester aren’t in for Dunk, no contact made which would be odd if he was our top target as previously reported. Likely the fee is putting us off.
Nathan Ake and the guy from Celtic are one of two strong options - it’s likely we will end up signing the Celtic bloke on the cheap. First Congerton signing. Which worries me
posted on 4/8/19
Not good for Benkovic if we sign his team-mate. Benkovic looks better. Soyuncu & Evans to start. Chilwell
Ricardo Albrighton Maddison Tielemans Choudhury Vardy & Perez to start vs Wolves. Kasper in goal.
posted on 4/8/19
I think that will be the team PTP. Should be a good open game vs Wolves. They are excellent on the counter so a big year for us. Deep defence to unlock whilst not being too open at the back.
posted on 4/8/19
I’m at Wolves taking my 4 year old daughter to her first Leicester game!
posted on 5/8/19
Be sure to teach her all the swearingest chants. Get her up to speed early. If she doesn't come away from the match having told the opposition goalkeeper what she thinks of him when taking a goal kick, you'll need to have a word with yourself.