*THREAD*
Bruno Fernandes is heavily linked with a move to Manchester United. The Portuguese attacking midfielder has been quite the juggernaut offensively for Sporting the past two years, but exactly how does he stack up to his counter-parts at Man United? Let's have a look!
Bruno Fernandes is heavily linked with a move to Manchester United. The Portuguese attacking midfielder has been quite the juggernaut offensively for Sporting the past two years, but exactly how does he stack up to his counter-parts at Man United? Let's have a look!
We are going to compare Fernandes to some of his counter-parts at United in league and Europa League. Considering he operates as a CAM who often drifts deep or wide right, D. James, A. Pereira and J. Lingard seem like the obvious choices, also giving how much they've played.
(It is worth noting that Fernandes operated quite frequently as one of two "number eights" last season with Sporting in a 4-3-3, but has at times been moved up to a "number ten" in a 4-2-3-1, and seems to drift wide right quite a bit. Therefore, we're using James/Lingard/Pereira)
In the pure scoring charts, Fernandes, this season, has 13 goals and 10 assists in 25 matches in the Liga NOS and Europa League. Which means he averages a little over a goal/assist every game (1.04). James closest with 3 goals and 6 assists in 23 games (0.39 goals/assists a game)
The story behind the goals and assists is interesting. According to WyScout, Fernandes averages a whopping 3.4 shots every game with 49.3% of these on target. James with 1.53 shots a game (50% on target), Lingard 1.91 a game (20% on target) and Pereira 2.16 (34.4% on target)
But it's only the shooting that is accurate. WyScout states that Fernandes averages 50.54 passes a game, with 76.7% finding its target. Lingard has fewer passes with 38.4 but complete more at 87.7%. James with 26.85 and 75.4% Pereira has 38.09, with 78% succession rate.
Of these passes, 16.49 are attempted forward for Fernandes with 64.4% finding its man. That is quite a difference from Pereira's 10.56 attempts, but 67.8% succession rate. Lingard with 8.47 attempts forward and 82%(!) hitting its target, and James with 5.75 attempts (73.3%)
WyScout uses the term "shot assists" which can be translated to chances created. In their metric, Fernandes has 2.56 "shot assists" on average this season. Pereira is closest with 1.54 on average while Lingard has 1.22. James with only 1.01 on average a game.
In terms of dribbling, it is James that tops the list with 5.37 attempted dribbles and 57.1% being successful. Fernandes attempts 4.98 on average with 55.1% being successful. Lingard with 2.75 attempts (44.4%) and Pereira at 3.83 (54.8%).
An interesting one is touches in the box. Because Fernandes only averages 1.98 a game. That is less than James (2.49) and Pereira (2.28). It is the exact same as Lingard (1.98). Which perhaps speaks to his average position (falling deep), but also effectiveness outside the area.
Speaking of being effective, according to WyScout, Fernandes receives the ball, on average, 37.13 times during a game. That is marginally more than Lingard (31.68) and a bit more than Pereira (29.2). It is way more than James, mind you (20.23), but again: Fernandes more central.
But what about passes into the box? And this is where it becomes clear: Fernandes attempts 4.89 with 49.5% finding its target. The closest? James with 3.21 attempts and 41.8% being successful. Pereira with 3.02 (44.9%) and Lingard with 1.98 (46.2%)
The defensive groundwork is something Fernandes has been criticized for. Funnily enough, he averages 2.52 interceptions a game, which is the most out of these guys. Pereira very close with 2.41, Lingard at 1.3 and James at 1.58. Ball is often more central during a game, mind you.
Meaning that defensive duels becomes more telling. Fernandes participates in 6.24 a game, winning 57.5% of these, according to WyScout. Pereira has 7.1 a game and wins 47%. Lingard stands at 6.56 a game and wins 46.5%, while James averages 53.2% wins on his 4.51 duels a game.
How do you fit Fernandes into the current Man Utd side? Well, as I see it, there are two options. Primarily, he'd be the no.10 in a 4-2-3-1. Considering he drifts out wide, it would allow Pogba to start higher, and also allow United a higher press. Overloading strong right side
The second option, if you wish more control, would be a 4-3-3 where he starts next to Pogba as a no.8, in which they would have to interchange in terms of dictating. Pogba can focus on his offensive surges when Fernandes drops deep to pick the ball up. Opens space right for AWB
CONCLUSION: Looking at the 19/20-season, and what Man Utd need, stats in WyScout clearly indicates that Fernandes would add something United needs: Goals, assists but; precision and effectiveness in final third. Also, could he unlock Pogba's offensive potential? Time would tell.
NOTE: These stats are from WyScout and Transfermarkt. Full credit goes their way.
NOTE 2: I did consider Fred over McTominay (and even Pogba, considering he could leave). But oh well .. you can switch out a bit there, but the overall consensus is that Fernandes would fit in a lot of places in that team.
NOTE 3: I forgot to update this tweet after initially having included some other goals. BUT! 23 "goal points" in 25 matches means Bruno Fernandes averages ALMOST one goal/assist each game (0.92). My bad this one
