Manchester United are on the verge of replacing Aaron Wan-Bissaka with Noussair Mazraoui, marking a significant shift in their right-back position.
As discussions with West Ham over Wan-Bissaka’s transfer near completion, many are curious about how Mazraoui will compare to his predecessor.
Here’s a breakdown of how the two players stack up.
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Defensive Strengths and Style
Wan-Bissaka has been known for his exceptional one-on-one defending since joining United. His ability to tackle and shut down opposing wingers has been a standout feature. Despite some criticism for his positioning and technical limitations in attack, Wan-Bissaka's defensive skills have been a solid asset for United.
In contrast, Noussair Mazraoui offers a more balanced approach. While not as dominant in one-on-one situations as Wan-Bissaka, Mazraoui’s defensive stats are still strong.
The Moroccan has a 62.4% success rate in ground duels, slightly better than Wan-Bissaka’s 61%. Mazraoui’s ability to play in multiple positions, including left-back, adds flexibility to United’s defensive options.
Technical and Attacking Contributions
Mazraoui’s strengths lie in his technical ability and attacking prowess. Having started as a midfielder before transitioning to right-back, Mazraoui brings a more nuanced approach to the game.
His time at Bayern highlighted his capability to push forward, create chances, and contribute to the attack. Over the past two seasons, Mazraoui has averaged 1.35 chances created per 90 minutes, significantly higher than Wan-Bissaka’s 0.76.
Mazraoui’s style includes frequent overlapping runs and the ability to support the right winger, a contrast to Wan-Bissaka’s more conservative approach. This attacking intent could help United exert more control in matches, aligning with Erik ten Hag’s vision for a more dynamic team.
Injury Concerns and Versatility
One potential drawback for Mazraoui is his injury record. His time at Bayern has been interrupted by brief spells on the sidelines, which might concern some United fans. However, if he can stay fit, his versatility will be a valuable asset. Mazraoui can play on either flank, offering cover for injuries and rotation.
Wan-Bissaka’s inability to adapt to the left-back position has been a limitation, making Mazraoui’s flexibility particularly appealing. United’s injury issues last season highlighted the need for such versatility, and Mazraoui’s ability to cover multiple roles could be a key advantage.
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