Mats Hummels: Long linked with Manchester United move
With Manchester United surely seeking a new centre-half, Danny Owen assesses who of Mats Hummels, Diego Godin and Winston Reid would fit best.
Louis Van Gaal's erratic reign at Old Trafford remains a puzzle. Success or stagnation? Progress or profligacy?
In truth, the previous seven months have provided more questions than answers. Despite lying just five points behind their City rivals, United's campaign is almost unequivocally deemed 'inconsistent'. From a home hammering of Liverpool to a dismal defeat at MK Dons, fans are undecided, unconvinced.
Cautiously optimistic, buoyed by a sensational summer splurge, yet mindful of the Moyes meltdown. Opinions are divided. Understandably so.
There's cause for their concern. Despite possessing a treasure trove of attacking diamonds, a prolifically porous backline undermines their intermittent progress. Though the arrivals of Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw provided essential support, United's regular instability renders them consistently vulnerable. An accident waiting to happen.
As Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Rafael flit between injury and inconsistency, defensive reinforcements are a must. An obligation, in fact.
With the January window creaking shut, however, United must wait to end their modern-day malaise and finalise a truly title-tilting squad. But who, in his infinite wisdom/haughty egotism, will Van Gaal deem worthy of his exalted attention?
Mats Hummels
Mats Hummels to United, the gossip of the football playground. The tabloids' beloved rumour has raised its ugly head once again. What's new?
With more twists and turns than a Shyamalan blockbuster, the saga has undoubted shades of Sneijder. Or Nasri. Fabregas too.
It's fair to say Ed Woodward is yet to endear himself to the Old Trafford faithful. However, this oft told tale of frustration, doubt and incessant infatuation could yet receive a happy ending.
According to Sky Deutschland, Hummels is ready to abandon a rapidly sinking ship and sail for pastures new. Music to United's ears.
Borussia Dortmund, remarkably propping up the German top tier, have plummeted from their pedestal. Hummels, a decorated veteran of their European supremacy, could follow Robert Lewandowski and Mario Goetze in scaling over the Yellow Wall.
With Bundesliga survival, let alone Champions League participation, uncertain, United could deliver the fatal blow to a limping, wounded beast.
So, besides his burgeoning trophy collection, why is Hummels such a desirable commodity?
Well, in many ways, he possesses all the attributes of the archetypal modern-day defender. Valuing distribution and defensive nous in equal measure, Hummels is very much the forward-thinking centre-half. Blessed with peerless positioning and first-class anticipation, the towering German holds a candle to the legendary Franz Beckenbauer. High praise indeed.
However, in spite of his undoubted eminence, concerns remain. A tactically aware defender, Hummel's prioritises excellent reading of the game above barnstorming bravado, a la Nemanja Vidic.
With Smalling, Jones and Evans sharing his preference for high pressing and sweeping distribution, Hummels represents an, albeit colossal, upgrade on United's existing options.
A more reactive, courageous competitor, such as Valencia's Nicolas Otamendi, could prove a more fine-tuned addition. If the £40million-rated Hummels becomes available, however, United are in no position to be scrupulous. Beggars can't be choosers after all.
Diego Godin
The thinking-man's centre-half, Diego Godin cemented his place among the world's finest goal-guarders with a series of imperious displays for club and country last season. Atletico's first La Liga title since 1996 was enabled by their unbreachable backline, marshalled magnificently by their inspirational vice-captain.
The imposing Uruguayan seamlessly embodies the contemporary defender; intelligent, tactically astute and beautifully poised. The ultimate package.
However, despite his cumulative talents, Godin remains criminally underrated by 'experts' the world over. David Luiz's baffling inclusion in the FIFPro World XI spoke volumes. Simply staggering.
Perhaps attributed to his penchant for subtle interceptions rather than show-stopping lunges, the vast majority remain strangely unconvinced by Godin's defensive nous.
Everybody loves a character, an erratic, volatile camera-hogger. Godin, professional and practical, completely contrasts the lurid methods of Luiz and Sergio Ramos, for example. Not that Van Gaal is influenced by such viewpoints.
With a buyout clause believed to stand at £28.5million, he is certainly attainable within United's infinite budget.
Whether they can convince Godin to sign up for the Red Devil revolution is a different matter altogether. Apparently settled in sunny Spain, even shunning Bayern Munich's flirtatious advances last summer, it seems Godin's La Liga love affair is still burning strong.
Winston Reid
With his contract ticking down, his future in doubt, West Ham's defensive fulcrum Winston Reid is the most viable option available to Louis Van Gaal. Reliable, experienced and, most alluringly, free. What's not to love?
In five years at Upton Park, the New Zealand skipper has advanced at a remarkable rate, with news of his impending departure attracting attention of England's affluent bourgeoisie.
Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool, behind a smokescreen of innocence, are brazenly batting their eyelashes in his direction. United should, nay,
must, follow their lead.
At 26, Reid possesses a flawless fusion of youth and proficiency, his Premier League know-how vastly reducing the risk-factor. A solid, if not spectacular campaigner, Reid's economic approach makes him a seamless fit for the high-flying Hammers. But therein lies a potential pitfall.
At Old Trafford, expectations are greater. Demands are higher. Many have tried, and notably failed, to placate the top-level pressure cooker. Whether Reid possesses the prominence, the character, or, in fact, the simple quality to confidently stride onto higher planes remains uncertain.
The distinction between Europa League ambitions and ruthless expectancy is huge. Adaptation is far from assured, as Dejan Lovren will undoubtedly testify. Though Reid may come cheap, world-class talent is priceless. Less the prime target, more an attractive alternative, perhaps.
Moreover, Van Gaal's tactical preference is vital, a make or break circumstance.
In a sturdy 4-4-2, Reid thrives through passionate organisation and supreme positioning, the fifth gear of a reliable, efficient engine.
The Dutch tactician's favoured 3-5-2, however, requires a very different skillset. Relying on instinctive covering and poised distribution, it demands a remarkably wide-ranging repertoire. Defenders cannot simply defend. They must play, perform, provide offer a reliable reference point upon which attacks are built. Whether Reid possesses these specialist skills is uncertain.
However, United can take heart from one incessant success story. Gary Cahill, since exchanging mid-table mediocrity for European opulence, has performed superbly in the glaring limelight of Stamford Bridge.
With the same patience, conviction and vigilant tutelage, United could follow Chelsea's lead and transform a rather limited duckling into an eye-catching swan. Or Reid could drown in a sea of Old Trafford expectation. Sink or swim.
Conclusion
Regardless of this season's debatable success, United must address a seemingly age-old problem.
While Angel Di Maria, Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie illuminate Old Trafford with moments of glorious grandeur, their erratic defence offers a stern reminder of the dark clouds lingering on the horizon.
From World Cup winners to contract rebels, United's list of summer targets will be long and extensive, centred on fortifying their well-publicised Achilles heel.
Reid's availability and Hummels' brazen ambition make them principal targets, while Godin heads a long line of top-class defensive talent repeatedly linked with the red half of Manchester.
Whoever his identity, United must summon their saviour before their dreams of returning to greatness remain unfulfilled.
via TEAMtalk | Manchester Utd http://ift.tt/16uWWDe
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