According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United are interested in the services of Ben Cabango. The Swansea City defender has emerged as the latest target for the newly-promoted Premier League outfit as Marcelo Bielsa looks to add more reinforcements in the defensive unit. The Whites are yet to make an approach for Cabango as of yet, but a summer move to Elland Road could still be on the cards.
Ben Cabango: A Rising Star In The Championship
Cabango was one of the most impressive rookies in the Championship this past season. Having been promoted to the senior side of Swansea last summer, the defender has been able to leave a mark at the professional level.
Cabango made 21 appearances for the Swans last season, becoming a first-team regular throughout the final phase of the campaign. He built a formidable defensive partnership alongside the likes of Marc Guehi and Kyle Naughton. The trio even performed well in the game against Leeds United, though they were only denied by an unfortunate late winner from Pablo Hernandez.
Nevertheless, Cabango’s individual performances haven’t gone unnoticed. He has impressed the onlookers with his defensive commitment and physical attributes. In fact, the 20-year-old had notably averaged the fifth-highest number of clearances per game in the Championship last season (among players who played 15 or more matches).
Cabango’s imposing 188cm frame has served him well too, it seems, with the centre-back winning three aerial duels per game. It was combined with 1.2 interceptions and a pass completion rate of 81%, which is quite impressive for any Championship defender.
Why Ben Cabango Could Be An Excellent Signing For Leeds
Despite the arrival of Robin Koch from SC Freiburg, Leeds United need further reinforcements, primarily to provide cover for Liam Cooper. While Ben White is not an option anymore, Ben Cabango could be a capable alternative for multiple reasons.
The Welshman has the commitment and the fighting spirit to thrive in Bielsa’s footballing philosophy. But, it is his physically imposing frame that could make him an ideal fit for the Premier League.
Not to mention, the 20-year-old is a reliable passer of the ball. He can distribute the ball out from the back, finding useful forward balls that significantly accelerates the build-up play. It tunes in well with Leeds United’s possession-oriented style of play, though that may change in the English top-flight next season.
It remains unclear as to how much Cabango could cost this summer. However, anything less than the €15 million mark could prove to be a bargain on Leeds United’s part given the fact that the defender doesn’t only have the characteristics to shine at Elland Road, but has already shown that he is capable of performing at the highest level.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
