Thread by @utdarena

THREAD:

With all the latest rumours on Paulo Dybala's future this thread will aim to analyse his game from a statistical perspective in comparison to some of Europe's best.

Let's go.

This thread will look at the following:

• overview
• offensive game
• critiques
• summary
• conclusion

Also, instead of the usual style of a straight comparison I will use data to also highlight Dybala's style of play on the pitch as he is often misunderstood.

NOTE:

Due to having a difficult season with Ronaldo's arrival in 2018–19, any numbers from said season will not truly reflect him as a player. Thus, I will be using his 2017–18 figures as a base as this is the season wherein he performed to his capability.

NOTE II:

This thread is not as detailed as previous ones as we really haven't seen Dybala play properly since 2017–18 and that Juventus team was different to the one we see now.

I do hope there is enough in here for you.

An Overview:

At 177cm, Dybala stands at 5’10 and weighs in around 75kg. Thus, he is not as small as perceived. However, his game is focussed on finesse as opposed to physicality. Nevertheless, he is not a “small” player by any means.

He will be 26 in November.

Positives:

Firstly, Dybala is a goal contributor. In 2017–18, Dybala averaged 0.69 non-penalty goals and 0.18 assists per 90. In comparison, Eden Hazard contributed to 0.46 goals and 0.32 assists per 90 last season.

Thus, Dybala is a goal-orientated player which is always good.

Secondly, Dybala was responsible for 7.86% of total passes for Juventus in Serie A. This season, Hazard was responsible for 8.36% of Chelsea's total passes whilst Messi's percentage was beyond 9. This comparison indicates how possession-hungry Dybala is.

Thirdly, it is astounding that Dybala managed to score 19 goals with just 8.8 xGoals. This means that based on the chances Dybala received he should have scored near to 8 or 9 goals. However, his elite finishing help him secure 19.

Fourthly, with only 1.20 crosses per 90 this gives a clear indication that Dybala likes to remain centrally and play the ball to feet. His intricate play will benefit United in breaking down teams who will initially set up in a low block.

Fifthly, Dybala only averaged 1.70 runs per 90 which progressed the ball by 10 yards. Likewise, he attempted 6.31 dribbles per 90 which, again, is not a great output. This further shows that this “dribbler” reputation he has is a little exaggerated.

This does not mean he does not carry the ball during games. However, he does so to a moderate amount for a forward of his technical ability. Therefore, one should expect far more give-and-gos, one-twos and further plays of that type.

Sixthly, despite scoring so many goals in a season he only took 2.60 touches in the opposition box per 90. In comparison, Martial (4.60), Lukaku (4.03) and Rashford (3.79) all averaged more touches in the box. This should indicate just how much of a ‘10’ he is.

Something that should be noted about Dybala is his off-ball game. In terms of runs, deceptive movements between the lines and more he is capable of creating multiple openings for teammates just by his movement.

Lastly, Dybala attempted 1.95 tempo changing passes per 90, 4.91 line-breaking passes per 90 and 1.08 through passes per 90. All of these figures are incredibly low which shows that Dybala is not a “playmaker” per se. Rather, he is a goal-contributor and loves to score.

Critiques:

This section will not be so large. To start with, Dybala has had four seasons at Juventus and for one reason or another he has produced two good seasons and two underwhelming seasons. This inconsistency will have to be dealt with by Solskjær.

Secondly, Dybala is not a hard worker off the ball. Can he press? Does he press? Yes. However, he does not have that mentality of chasing empty passes, loose touches, etc. This is something Lingard possesses and it is valued by Solskjær. Dybala will have to develop his game.

Thirdly, Dybala's lack of creativity – from his own style of play – and choice to score more often may lead to initial chemistry problems with the likes of Martial and Rashford. However, Dybala's IQ is quite good and, thus, he should be able to adapt quickly.

Lastly, Dybala played 47% of the 2017–18 season as an attacking midfielder and 43% of it as a centre forward. Whilst this is not a criticism, Solskjær may have to look at Dybala as his potential attacking midfielder and, thus, sacrifice on Bruno Fernandes.

Summary:

Paulo Dybala is an excellent player who is tactically and positionally versatile. He does not complain about affairs and gets on with being a professional. His ability to score goals and be the offensive leader will be valuable to United.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, Romelu Lukaku has to leave and Juventus do not have the ability to buy him directly. Thus, they are offering an excellent player with world class attributes as a return.

If I were United, I would seek to finalise it as quick as possible.

Thread End.

RTs and Likes appreciated.