Unsplash
Well, league football is off. And yesterday was the last day of international football for the 2021-22 season too. After this, we take a big break from the beautiful game. More or less a month. Yeah, it's only about a month. But for the millions of people for whom football as regular as bread, it's gonna feel like an eternity. But no worries, transfer window to the rescue. Every fan is on the edge of their seats to know which player their favorite club is signing next. And no difference this season. One of the key rumors going around the market is Frenkie De Jong being linked to Manchester United. Let's break it down and see why Manchester United are interested and what could the Dutchman bring to the prestigious club.
So we all know that Manchester United have appointed Eric Ten Hag as their new manager from the upcoming season. And as Ralf Rangnick insisted and Ten Hag also realized, United need multiple signings to be competitive again. De Jong has played under Ten Hag at Ajax. There he played as a holding midfielder. And before Daley Blind arrived he even played as a center back at times. But his current game evolved while playing as a holding midfielder. He would often fill in the spots left blank by the advancing Ajax fullbacks and form a three man backline with the rest of the center backs. His main game is that he is a regista. Much like Jorginho. But more younger and agile. When in attacks, he often stays relatively deeper. That way he can work as a ball recycler. Whenever the forwards run into a dead end, they can pass back to him and De Jong can again progress the ball forward and orchestrate an attack from a different angle.
Here we must note he is very good at making progressive runs, making forward passes, and play in an advanced role if needed. His progressive carries in the three seasons in La Liga is above 1. Which is good for a defensive midfielder. Also his percentage of completed dribbles are also at around more than 80%. So that makes him an excellent ball carrier.
But there are weaknesses too for De Jong. You see, he is a regista. Not a conventional defensive midfielder. He might get away by his extraordinary sense of position, but he isn't fully equipped to physically boss the midfield and shield the defense like a wall. So I think, in Manchester United, Ten Hag can play him as one of double pivots. With him taking all the forward responsibilities, and one other defensive midfielder who's sole purpose will be to make defensive tackles and decisions. In other words, a compliment to De Jong. This way, the new DM doesn't has to do anything attacking wise which he won't be good at, and De Jong will be freed of his defensive chores too. Then he can play his natural game and take the Manchester United midfield to a whole new level. Players suitable for the second pivot are Bissouma, Sangare, Gueye and other players who are physically dominant and can make good tackles. Though bissouma is already sold and United Already have Fred, Manchester United need another DM anyway, regardless of Frenkie De Jong.