Christian Van Rooyen

Data analyst. Football obsessive. Breaking down the game with numbers — tactics, trends & what the stats actually mean. 🇿🇦

[Christian Van Rooyen @ChristianvrXG]

9. Feedback
Which target do you feel will make the biggest difference or which alternative should they rather focus on?

[Christian Van Rooyen @ChristianvrXG]

Manchester United have agreed Éderson. Mateus Fernandes and Alex Scott are rumored next potential targets.

Most are asking "Are they good enough?"
Wrong question.
They should rather ask: What does Carrick's system actually need in a midfielder and do the numbers back it up?

A thread🧵

[Christian Van Rooyen @ChristianvrXG]

8. Conclusion
Carrick's system has one non-negotiable demand, his midfielders must cover ground, press intelligently, be technically astute and move the ball forward with purpose. It is understandable why United are looking at these targets, they are a massive upgrade on what the club currently has at their disposal and they will improve ball-receiving, progression and adaptability against teams while at the same time increase technical ability, ball-retention and pressing efficiency in the midfield.

[Christian Van Rooyen @ChristianvrXG]

@fc_mossman @fc_mossman Very informative, do you think he has the skillset required to develop elite distribution skills in close quarters and medium/long ranges? Like Ederson etc.