According to The Sun, Arsenal have set their sights on Samuel Umiti as they continue their search for a new defender. It is believed that the Gunners are exploring the possibility of signing the Frenchman on loan from Barcelona.
The Premier League giants have also been linked with moves for Daniele Rugani and Dayot Upamecano. And in this article, we will figure whether or not the Barcelona star is a better option than the two aforementioned defenders for Arsenal.
Style of play
Umtiti is a ball-playing defender, much like Rugani and Upamecano. But, having played three years at Barcelona, the Frenchman is a considerably better passer when compared to his counterparts. He can find teammates in between the lines, thanks to his sharp, laser focussed passes. Additionally, he can also thread accurate long passes in behind the defence.
As far as the defensive game is concerned, the Frenchman relies on his physical prowess. He is shortest of the three defenders, standing at 182cm. But, his enthusiasm and tenacity make him quite useful in terms of aerial duels, though not quite as much as the other two defenders.
However, what Umtiti lacks in height, he more than makes up for it with his accurate tackling. He has made almost 100 competitive appearances for Barcelona while featuring in 170 matches for Olympique Lyon. The 25-year-old notably helped France win the FIFA World Cup last summer as well – making him by far the most well-established defender of the three.
Statistical comparison
As mentioned earlier, Umtiti is an excellent passer of the ball. His pass completion rate of 94% is considerably higher than Rugani (90%) and Upamecano (82%). He does, however, trail his compatriot Upamecano in terms of accurate long balls per 90 minutes. He has averaged 2.3 accurate long balls compared to the Leipzig defender’s 3.
Umtiti has also made fewer clearances (2 per 90 mins) than Rugani (3) and Upamecano (3.4). But, it is mainly due to Barcelona’s sheer dominance in La Liga that rarely allows the opposition to make offensive forays into the Catalan half. However, the Frenchman’s not as effective in the air either, attaining a win ratio of 52% compared to Upamecano’s 65% and Rugani’s 69%.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
Is Umtiti the better option than the duo?
Upamecano is definitely the best option for Arsenal at the moment. But, the defender’s hefty valuation makes Umtiti the second-best choice for the Gunners, provided they manage to secure a loan deal for the Frenchman. He has a vast experience in top-flight European football and could quickly settle himself into the Premier League.
Moreover, Umtiti’s winning mentality could be invaluable for the Arsenal team that is desperate to rise among the English elites in the upcoming season.
