A statement regarding the managerial situation at Manchester United has not yet landed, but the perennial rumour mill of incoming players is already underway.
Today’s installation of the club’s latest pursuit has landed at the feet of the ‘next Varane’ – the highly-rated teenage defender Leny Yoro.
The France U23 international has enjoyed his first campaign as a regular starter in the Lille XI – making 44 appearances across domestic and continental competitions.
His displays have led to endless applause and adoration, with European giants Real Madrid recently linked with his signature.
However, the Spanish publication ‘Marca‘ has stated that the Old Trafford outfit ‘submitted a proposal’ to the defender that ranks well above his market valuation.
The newspaper reports that an offer close to €60 Million has been placed with United aiming to lure the talented prospect to England instead of a ruthless Madrid.
But why are leading clubs in Europe so eager to land the Saint-Maurice player, and what can he add to The Reds defensive line?
A striking comparison
The Stretford End said its goodbye to Raphael Varane following a decision for the injury-plagued defender to make a final career move at the end of the season.
With the Frenchman, it is a case of ‘what could have been’, with an imperious Wembley sendoff against Manchester City reminding the world of his abilities.
In Yoro, the media have identified a younger version of the four-time Champions League winner, with displays reminiscent of the Lens star since his Ligue 1 debut aged 16.
The youngster is confident in possession and delicate in transition – while utilising his 6-foot-2 frame to offer a threat on either side of the field.
Sir Alex Ferguson famously attempted to lure Varane to Manchester in 2011, only to lose out to Los Blancos for his signature. Reds across the globe will pray that the club avoid a repeat.
The defensive metrics
Before we begin analysing the figures, it is pivotal to remember that Yoro is only 18 and has ample room for growth. His ceiling is tremendously high.
When taking the previous 365 days as a base for comparison, his figures are against defenders playing in the ‘Big Five’ leagues, the Champions League and the Europa League.
His standout characteristic in defence is his positional awareness – averaging 1.21 interceptions per 90 minutes and ranking in the top 39 percentile across the above competitions. To achieve that in his full debut campaign as a teenager is unique.
Additionally, he averaged 1.21 tackles, 3.27 clearances, 1.48 aerials won and 0.67 blocks per 90′. While these figures do not set him amongst the leading defensive players, they are imperious amongst his age group.
Confidence in possession
Unlike many youngsters playing regularly for their sides, Yoro demands the football during the build-up and transition phases.
He averaged 63.30 passes per 90′ with a 92.1 per cent completion rate. Furthermore, he supplied 2.29 progressive passes per appearance with a wide range of short, medium and long distributions to emphasise his technical ability.
The teen craves the ball and receives 71.31 touches per 90′ – ranking him in the top 35 percentile in Europe. But when assessing his carrying ability, we see his skillset accelerate beyond his years.
Despite a frame that requires growth, his press resistance is evident. The Frenchman averages 55.19 carries per game, ranking in the top 18 percentile for total carrying distance throughout Europe – aiding his side in finishing the domestic campaign in fourth position.
Should United put their trust in Yoro
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is aware of the necessity to trim expenditures within the club to become compliant with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
Additionally, if the Ineos chief craves progression from last season’s domestic capitulation, several positions require strengthening immediately.
€60 Million presents a significant commitment to one position and may hamper plans to pursue additional targets.
That said, should you convince a player of this talent and ability to move to Manchester, you have the position tied down for over a decade.
Considering all, and factoring in the painful memory of missing out on Varane 13 years ago, I would be delighted if Lisandro Martinez could partner with the talented teenager during the club’s drive for success.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.
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