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With Nemanja Vidic having been confirmed to be leaving Manchester United in the summer, David Moyes is losing a defensive general and a rock at the back. He is also losing his captain.
Vidic has had his injury problems over the last few years but will be sorely missed at Old Trafford. It is now down to Moyes to find an adequate replacement in the summer and someone who can fit seamlessly into his back four straight away.
Here are three possible replacements Moyes could look at.
1. Juan Jesus
Juan Jesus of Inter Milan may not be a household name but he’s a solid defender and at a good age, too – he’s just 22.
Juan Jesus (L)
He is as capable at playing left-back as he is straight through central defence, so could be a valuable asset should Moyes’ future left-back position need covering.
Juan Jesus Duel Success – Serie A 2013/14Juan has won 86 tackles in Serie A this season, the best figure for a defender in Europe’s top five leagues (EPL, Ligue 1, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A). That’s a phenomenal statistic and one that should make David Moyes sit on the edge of his seat.
To further add to that, Juan has won 43 headed duels from an attempted 74 – a 58% success rate. Another impressive figure.
At such a young age, he has plenty of time to adapt to a new country, a new league and can be coached into a top-class central defender. He has a market value of around £8 million so could be a steal for Moyes.
2. Eliaquim Mangala
The 23-year-old will cost a lot more than Juan Jesus but he brings pedigree. All of Europe’s top clubs are looking at Mangala and United’s neighbours, Manchester City, came within touching distance of landing him on January’s transfer deadline day.
Eliaquim Mangala (R)
He is most likely to leave Porto this summer and there will be a long queue of clubs waving contracts out for him.
With good reason, too. Mangala is a top class central defender and won 70% of his tackles (7/10) and 50% of his headed duels (11/22) in the group stages of the Champions League this season.
Porto dropped into the Europa League where he has played twice and won 9 out of 12 headed duels.
He’s a huge, powerful central defender but will cost upwards of £35 million.
3. Mehdi Benatia
Mehdi Benatia
Benatia is rated among the top bracket of central defenders currently plying their trade in Europe.
The Roma defender has been a leader at the back this term, was an important figure during their early-season success and remains one of their best players now.
Benatia has scored five goals in Serie A this season, not only helping out defence.
Benatia Pass Success – Serie A 2013/14He’s completed 89% of his passes and won a huge 61 headed duels in the league, proving how dominant he can be. At 26 years of age, he promises plenty more years at the top of the game, too.
He is valued at around £16 million so would cost a fair bit, but for a powerfully dominant central defender who can score goals, that’s a good price in today’s game.
If Moyes is looking for a high quality defender to replace Vidic and drop straight into the starting XI without any problems, Mehdi Benatia is his man.
