Lakshay Khurana
In the last few days Manchester United have confirmed two transfers: Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Borussia Dortmund.
But Jose Mourinho is still yet to sign a central midfielder. Here are a few defensive midfield players the Portuguese manager could sign:
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Sven Bender-
Current Club: Borussia Dortmund
Position: Centre Defense Midfield, Centre Back
Age: 27
Height: 6’1
Nationality: Germany
Characteristics:
- Strong Tackling
- Accurate Passing
- Ball Interceptor
- Not so good ball control
Stats 2015/16 in the Bundesliga
Appearances: 19
Total Chances Created: 8
Avg. Pass Accuracy: 91%
Avg. Duels Won: 50%
Avg. Defensive Actions: 6
Total Defensive Errors: 2
Shot Accuracy: 33%
Bookings: 1
Bender has been one of the most consistent players in Borussia Dortmund. He is yet to reach his maximum potential, which he hasn’t been able to. His tackles and interceptions are world class. His move Old Trafford would be beneficial to the team.
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N’Golo Kante-
Current Club: Leicester City
Position: Centre Midfield, Centre Defensive Midfield
Age: 25
Height: 5’5
Nationality: France
Characteristics:
- Brilliant tackler
- Likes to dribble.
- Likes to take long shots.
- Likes to play through balls.
- Weak at aerial duels.
- Great stamina.
Stats 2015/16 in English Premier League
Appearances: 37
Goals Scored: 1
Chances Created: 30
Assists: 4
Shot Accuracy: 28%
Avg. Pass Accuracy: 82%
Avg. Duels Won: 46%
Avg. Defensive Actions: 6
Total Defensive Errors: 2
Bookings: 3
The French player had a phenomenal season with an outstanding record of tackles and distance covered on the pitch. His engine like stamina is something of a very powerful asset to his team. Kante can be brought and Mourinho could make a better use of him in the red and white jersey.
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Nemanja Matic-
Current Club: Chelsea
Position: Centre Defensive Midfield
Age: 27
Height: 6’3
Nationality: Serbia
Characteristics:
- Good at dribbling.
- Strong at aerial duels.
- Accurate Passing.
- Likes to tackle.
Appearances: 33
Goals scored: 2
Assists: 2
Shot Accuracy: 40%
Total Chances Created: 19
Avg. Pass Accuracy: 88%
Avg. Duels Won: 47%
Avg. Defensive Actions: 4
Yellow Cards: 5
Red Cards: 1
The Chelsea midfielder is a strong and intimidating character on the pitch. It is difficult to stop him from going on a counter attack and more difficult to get past him. He should be considered as an option by the ex-Chelsea manager.
