Thread by @utd_Visionary

Would Dayot Upamecano Compliment Harry Maguire at Manchester United?

(thread)

After spending approximately £80m on Harry Maguire last summer, if United are to reinvest defensively, they should look no further than upgrading upon Victor Lindelof.

Dayot Upamecano has been touted as one of the prime targets to compliment Maguire.

A brief overview of Upamecano:
Club: RB Leipzig
Age: 21
90's Played 2019/20: 26.2
Height: 1.86m
Favoured Foot: Right
Best Role: Sweeper
Approximate Price-tag: £45m

The fact that Harry Maguire is capable of playing at LCB, and has been competent playing there this season, in conjunction with the shortage of good left footed centrebacks on the market, means that Upamecano can primarily be utilised in the right centreback position.

There are two key facets to be looked at when profiling Upamecano, and comparing this to Maguire, and current options at RCB; Lindelof and Bailly.

These are:
1) Build-up qualities;
2) Defensive attributes.

In terms of build-up, United require centrebacks that are able to perform specific actions from a wider position. this is due to the #6 (currently Matic; subject to change) dropping in centrally to form a back three.

We can see Maguire performing a carry in this position:

These actions are integral to United's enhanced build-up, which has seen them consistently break down deep blocks (since the break).

We can examine key possession stats for these manoeuvres within United's CBs:

(stats from FBref; red bars an arbitrary guide for 'optimal' stats)

Data suggests that Dayot Upamecano is a direct upgrade upon current starter Lindelof (and also Bailly):

He exceeds the arbitrary measure for 'good' ball possession stats, being particularly impressive with progressive passing and passes into the final third.

… which is great because Maguire is already a good ball carrier. they should both compliment each other nicely in ball possession, while giving United a top foundation to work with in build-up.

In terms of defensive attributes, we will look at which areas Maguire is strong in, how Lindelof compliments Maguire, and then how Upamecano compares in this regard.

We can see here that Maguire is competent as the aggressor, and needs more of a 'reader' or 'sweeper' at RCB:

If we bring Upamecano into the equation, things look promising:

Upamecano is a far better tackler than Lindelof, suggesting that he has a high ceiling as a sweeper. his recoveries are an area that need improving but intangibles such as his pace & posture suggest he can improve.

It is clear to see that Upamecano is a far better stylistic fit than Lindelof for Maguire (which is good, because Lindelof is already an alright fit).

There are questions regarding Upamecano's consistency; he is a raw player, capable of errors.

All in all, he is an exciting talent and a top prospect to play alongside Maguire. For the price he is available at, I wouldn't turn him down.

Let me know your thoughts; if there are any aspects of his game that you feel need mentioning please bring them up!

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