With the Jadon Sancho transfer on the verge of completion, it’s time for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to start focusing on other departments that need to be improved ahead of the 2021/22 season.
Apart from a quality centre-back, Manchester United need to sign a world-class defensive midfielder if they wish to challenge for major silverware next season. The Fred-McTominay partnership hasn’t been entirely reliable, and under such circumstances, the club is expected to splash the cash on at least one new midfielder in the ongoing transfer window.
Here, in this article, we take a look at two defensive midfielders Solskjaer should target in the coming weeks.
Declan Rice
The London-born talent has constantly been exhibiting commanding displays at the heart of West Ham’s midfield for almost four years now – putting clean tackles, retaining possession, and making numerous crucial clearances to help his side at the back. Even though he struggles to influence the game at the other half of the pitch, his contributions as a defensive midfielder have been of utmost importance to his team over the years.
The 17-times England international has plenty of time on his side, and if he continues with the positive development, he might turn out to be one of the best talents in English football in the coming years.
Yves Bissouma
Yves Bissouma impressed once again last season as he delivered dominant performances at the centre of Graham Potter’s midfield on a weekly basis. It would be safe to say that the Mali international has established himself as one of the league’s best defensive midfielders over the past few seasons. He is capable of sensing the dangers quickly, and with attributes like strength and agility, he can earn the possession back for his side in his own half of the pitch.
The 24-year-old managed to put up some impressive numbers on the board last season – averaging 2.9 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, 1.8 clearances, and 0.2 blocks per 90 minutes in the Premier League (calculated over 36 appearances). Moreover, with 2.1 long balls played per game with an overall pass accuracy of 87.4%, he turned out to be one of the best distributors of his side.
At 24, Bissouma still has a lot to offer, so it won’t be a complete surprise if Manchester United break the bank to secure his signature.
(Stats: WhoScored)
