More than anything else, it was believed that the animosity between the two tactical geniuses in the shape of Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho would be the talk of the Premier League once the wheels fall on the track. The belief was that the two arch rivals shall go toe-to-toe to claim territorial and league supremacy to impose a thumping impression.
Quite contrarily, Guardiola seems to be the runaway winner at the moment as Mourinho’s Manchester United is still found fighting the shadow of its former self. The Portuguese’s side still have spheres to address, with the right-back as well as the central defensive slot being the prime ones. Paving the path to do the needful, it is reported that Mourinho has introduced the talented young defender, Elseid Gëzim Hysaj as a potential transfer target to fix the defensive loopholes.
Accordingly, we have compiled a brief SWOT Analysis to throw some light on Manchester United’s defensive target.
Strengths
Elseid Gëzim Hysaj plies his trade at the Serie A side, Napoli, on the right-back spot. Interestingly, the 22-year-old has moulded himself enough to be played on the left as well. Resolute, commanding and intelligent, the six feet defender has a tremendous vision, clears the ball with ease, knows how to fork out chances for his side and possesses decent pace.
The young Albanian international works hard, is quite comfortable on the ball and avails him for his teammates by making those surging runs up the field. Hysaj is fierce with his tackles and impressive with his flair and dynamism on both ends of the pitch which makes him as a shining example of how a modern day full-back should operate.
Apart from the paramount importance in the league for Napoli, Hysaj has been utilised efficiently by Maurizio Sarri in the Champions League as well, where the former Empoli man has registered 4 successful tackles, 8 interceptions, 13 clearances and 2 blocks. Hysaj is accumulating experience and the fact that he avoids making fouls and rash tackles reflect the maturity he operates with.
Weaknesses
The imminent weakness that he possesses is that he needs to brush up his crossing skills considerably.
Further, despite having registered around 150 appearances for Empoli and Napoli and 25 appearances for Albania, he has managed to score just one goal, which points a finger over his offensive traits which should definitely be looked upon.
Opportunities
At a time when the Red Devils are struggling domestically, Mourinho has to make changes sooner rather than later and Hysaj is a gettable commodity (what isn’t gettable if you can manage to throw truckloads of cash?!). He is a man on the rise and an imperious full-back like Hysaj is something Manchester United lack at the moment.
What must interest Manchester United faithful is that Hysaj loves to play the short and quick passes and also has a good concentration, discipline and resilience at the back which is a brief list of attributes Mourinho scrutinises in his defenders, thus implying that the match would be a perfect one.
The Albanian can definitely mould himself as a formidable star in the near future under the tutelage of ‘the Special One’.
Threats
Hysaj might have the requisite experience and qualities but the Premier League is a different ball game altogether where more than anything else, his perseverance and consistency shall be tested. Further, the Napoli right-back had recently put pen to a long-term contract and this is why Mourinho & co. shall not find it a cakewalk to lure him to their struggling side.
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
