Thread by @WillxFootball

DATA ANALYSIS 📊
-Who’s the next Virgil Van Dijk? 🔍

🇫🇷Dayot Upamecano (22), Leipzig
🇫🇷Ibrahima Konaté (21), Leipzig
🇲🇦Nayef Aguerd (24), Rennais
🇫🇷Benoit Badiashile (19), Monaco
🇫🇷Wesley Fofana (20), Leicester

(yes, France are stacked)

Is there even a “next Virgil Van Dijk” or will someone surpass him?

In this thread, I’ll take a look at some of the hottest young defenders like #Upamecano, #Konate and #Fofana + #Badiashile and #Aguerd who I find very interesting.

I’ll do some quick introductions first and then we’ll get into the stats and data. Enjoy! 😎

DAYOT UPAMECANO, 22, #LEIPZIG

Needs no introduction. Will probably stay at Bayern for a long time.

IBRAHIMA KONATÉ, 21, #LEIPZIG

Due to injuries, the last time he played over 10 Bundesliga games in a season was in 2018/19.
Therefore, I’m using his 18/19 stats, which makes his numbers even more impressive as he was only 19 back then.

NAYEF AGUERD, 24, #RENNAIS

I’ve only watched a few Stade Rennais games this season but I think he’s been good.

Also a “Ball-playing” left-footed CB, which is very in-demand.

BENOIT BADIASHILE MUKINAYI, 19, #MONACO

fbref has his last name as “Mukinayi” but I think “Badiashile” is commonly used. In the data visuals, I’ll be using “Benoit Mukinayi”

Wanted at #ManchesterUnited, according to rumours.
Another left-footed CB.

WESLEY FOFANA, 20, #LEICESTER

Pocketed so many Ligue 1 attackers for #SaintEtienne that Leicester had to sign him.

Some of the numbers might look a little different since he’s played as a wide defender in a back 3 mostly.

So how do these young defenders compare to the (probably) best defender in the world?

By the way, I’m using Van Dijk’s 19/20 stats for obvious reasons.

Van Dijk had his famous 18 month spell without being dribbled past. Can any of these players replicate that?

Van Dijk is one of the best passers. Not just among defenders, but in football generally.

Van Dijk’s trademark pass is the long cross-field ball to #AlexanderArnold or #Salah. Another highlight is his assist to #SadioMane against #Bayern.

Let’s see who has the raw strength to win duels like VVD.

So to conclude...
Who’s the next Van Dijk?

#1
Dayot Upamecano
You just can’t ignore his quality. His speed and strength combo is unfair.

#2
Benoit Badiashile
One of the first names for Monaco this season as they’re pushing for a UCL spot.
Very exciting considering he is 19!

If you read this far, I appreciate it. Thank you very much! 😊

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