Man Utd in Pole Position for De Ligt as Arsenal Enter the Fray
FootballTransfers reports that Arsenal has shown interest in the Bayern Munich defender, yet Manchester United seems to be leading the race. “Arsenal are interested in signing Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, but Manchester United are currently in pole position to land the Dutchman,” the outlet revealed.
United’s Persistent Pursuit
The story of De Ligt and Manchester United is one of long-standing interest and strategic positioning. Having missed out on him in 2019 when he joined Juventus, United’s focus hasn’t wavered. “Man Utd’s interest in De Ligt is genuine, and the Red Devils have spoken to the Dutchman’s representatives on more than one occasion,” FootballTransfers reports. This steadfast pursuit underscores United’s dire need for a strong centre-back, especially in light of Lisandro Martinez’s recent injury.
Arsenal’s Calculated Approach
Arsenal’s approach to De Ligt appears more measured. While internally discussing the possibility of bringing the Dutch international to Emirates Stadium, “the Gunners have not initiated contact with either the player or Bayern Munich,” as per FootballTransfers. This could signify a strategic wait-and-see approach or perhaps an acknowledgment of United’s advantageous position.
De Ligt’s Munich Dilemma
De Ligt’s current situation at Bayern is pivotal to this unfolding drama. Falling down the pecking order under Thomas Tuchel and being left out in key matches like the recent 3-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, De Ligt is reportedly unsettled. “De Ligt is not 100% happy with his current role at Bayern,” reports Sky Germany. This discontent could be the driving force behind his potential move.
Statistical Analysis by EPL Index: Decoding Matthijs de Ligt’s Impact
Unveiling Matthijs de Ligt’s Form
The latest performance data from Fbref paints a detailed picture of Matthijs de Ligt’s contributions on the pitch. Standing out in the percentile ranks among centre-backs, de Ligt’s non-penalty goals and non-penalty xG (expected goals) suggest an attacking prowess that’s rare for a defender, placing him in the 99th and 90th percentiles respectively.
Defensive Mastery and Possession Play
With a total shots statistic that places him in the 96th percentile, it’s clear that de Ligt isn’t just a static defensive figure. His defensive skills are robust, but it’s his on-the-ball confidence that shines, evidenced by a pass completion rate that hits the 92nd percentile. His progressive passing stats are equally impressive, landing him in the 92nd percentile. This indicates not just possession retention but a proactive approach to turning defence into attack.
Impact Beyond the Numbers
While de Ligt’s stats are formidable, it’s the nuanced reading of these numbers that truly showcases his value. For instance, his lower percentile in tackles (23rd) isn’t necessarily a flaw; it could imply a positional awareness that prevents the need for frequent tackling. Similarly, his aerial duels won, sitting comfortably in the 92nd percentile, reflect his aerial dominance, crucial for both defensive solidity and attacking set-pieces.
In sum, Fbref’s data offers a compelling testament to de Ligt’s multifaceted influence on the field. His performance stats validate the interest from top clubs and hint at the considerable edge he could bring to any defensive line-up. As this analytical deep dive suggests, Matthijs de Ligt is more than just a defender; he’s a formidable presence capable of shifting the dynamics of a game, both in defence and in forging attacks.
