Insight into Harry Maguire’s perfect centre-back partner

Kalidou Koulibaly is a well-recognized identify for followers of prime Premier League golf equipment, with the Napoli defender continuously linked with a transfer away from the Serie A aspect.

Manchester City have been rumoured to be concerned about Koulibaly earlier than they finally opted to signal Ruben Dias from Benfica in the summertime, whereas it has additionally been reported that Liverpool have saved tabs on him.

With the January switch window open, Koulibaly is again within the headlines, however this time it’s Manchester United who’re reportedly eager on the 29-year-old centre-back.

In accordance with Spanish newspaper Marca , Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has recognized Koulibaly as his prime defensive goal “a while in the past”.

Video Loading

Video Unavailable

Click on to play
Faucet to play

The video will auto-play quickly8Cancel

Play now

Koulibaly is beneath contract at Napoli till the summer time of 2023 and he would due to this fact not come low-cost, have been United to make a transfer for the Senegal worldwide.

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis is understood to drive a tough cut price and he mentioned in the summertime that it could take a bid within the area of £90million for him to think about promoting Koulibaly.

“If Metropolis or United or PSG with €100million confirmed up, I might give it some thought and it’s possible that they would go away, all the time if their will was to depart,” he informed Italian publication Corrierre dello Sport in June.

“I don’t even contemplate a proposal of €60million (£55m). I’m strong.”

Manchester United presently have Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe as central defensive choices, whereas Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo stay on the books.

United are attempting to maneuver on Jones and Rojo, so may have house for a brand new arrival in the summertime.

With that in thoughts, right here is how Koulibaly has been performing this season for Napoli.

League kind

The 2019/20 season was not a fantastic one for Koulibaly or Napoli, who completed seventh in Serie A. Gennaro Gattuso’s arrival helped them rally and win the Coppa Italia, however the centre-back’s standing dropped considerably.

Koulibaly’s performances have picked up this season, regardless of Napoli’s league kind remaining inconsistent.

He has tended to companion Kostas Manolas in Napoli’s defence, though he has solely managed to play 13 of his aspect’s 17 Serie A matches up to now.

Gattuso’s aspect are presently fourth in Serie A, 9 factors adrift of leaders AC Milan, albeit with a recreation in hand. However regardless of shedding 5 of their 17 matches, Napoli nonetheless have one of the best defensive document in Serie A, having conceded simply 16 occasions up to now – half the variety of rivals Roma in third.

In the meantime, Napoli have drawn Granada within the Europa League knockout phases after ending prime of Group F, forward of Actual Sociedad, AZ Alkmaar and Rijeka.

Koulibaly performed each minute of their group stage marketing campaign, serving to to maintain three clear sheets and concede simply three targets in six matches.

Type of play

This season’s Serie A statistics present that Koulibaly tends to play because the sweeper, leaving Manolas to contest for balls within the air. The Senegal defender has accomplished 1.2 clearances per 90 minutes on common within the league this season to Manolas’ 2.82, whereas the Greek has 1.94 aerial duels gained to Koulibaly’s 0.96.

Nonetheless, Koulibaly’s tempo and intelligence imply he thrives in different areas, making 0.8 interceptions per 90 to Manolas’ 0.67, whereas successful again possession within the defensive third 3.51 occasions per 90 to his companion’s common of two.41.

The distinction is much more stark if you take a look at the variety of occasions he has gained again the ball within the center third. Koulibaly does that 3.27 occasions per recreation to Manolas’ 1.07.

Koulibaly is a disciplined participant, having made simply 10 fouls in 13 Serie A video games this season, whereas choosing up simply two yellow playing cards.

Koulibaly can be a extra formidable participant than Manolas when on the ball. Regardless of enjoying 4 video games fewer, he has tried 1,018 passes to his companion’s 984, whereas nonetheless sustaining a 90.77% move completion.

He additionally makes an attempt fewer lengthy passes, whereas finishing 77 of his 108 makes an attempt within the closing third. His calmness on the ball can be proven by the very fact Koulibaly has accomplished 11 of his 12 tried take-ons.

His future

Koulibaly, who joined Napoli from Belgian aspect Genk in 2014, isn’t just rated by Napoli’s proprietor and supervisor – Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland can be a fan.

“I feel one of the best three central defenders on the earth are Sergio Ramos, Virgil van Dijk and Kalidou Koulibaly,” Haaland informed Norwegian newspaper VG in December.

Manchester United beat Fulham 2-1 because of targets from Edinson Cavani and Paul Pogba.

Pogba as soon as once more turned in a high-class efficiency as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s aspect reclaimed prime spot within the Premier League. Now United flip their consideration to a different conflict with rivals Liverpool, this time within the FA Cup fourth spherical.

MEN Sport will convey you all of the build-up to and response from each United match. You may have all of it delivered straight to your inbox by signing as much as our every day e-newsletter. Simply put your e mail handle within the sign-up field on the prime of this text, or simply follow this link. It is free and solely takes just a few seconds.

“All three are very bodily, but in addition very clever on the pitch.”

Koulibaly has established himself as the most effective defenders in Italy and he doesn’t seem in a rush to depart Naples.

“I really like Naples and Naples loves me, that is crucial factor,” he informed Sky Sports activities in October.

“I all the time make myself obtainable recreation after recreation, I nonetheless have three years of contract, I am calm, the groups are in search of me however I am nonetheless right here.

“I play at my degree and I assist this crew and these individuals as a result of I need to give one thing again to them then we’ll see what occurs.”