He is currently my top candidate for Busquets replacement.
I watched Lyon games against PSG, Nice & Monaco, was mainly interested in watching Bruno Guimaraes, but this guy caught my eye; and highlights ,stats and articles support my eye test.
He is one of those
aggressive small DM, like the kind of Gattusso, Kante, Davids or Verratti (the latter is more of CM)
He
protects the defense very well, close passing lanes and area in front of the box in elite way, always everywhere trying to recover the ball, and again it isn't just energy but also
smart movement. IMO will boost our defense massively.
On the ball he is a genius in the
1st touch pass, whether he is receiving a pass or recovering a ball, he already scanned the surroundings and make the immediate one touch pass to his teammates. Doesn't lose the ball under pressure.
Offensively
he isn't the flashy midfielder, which IMO the reason he is a bit underrated, doesn't make wow passes that break defenses, albeit being capable passer, but it is an area to improve, also he doesn't hold the ball so much or invite opponents to press him, like Busquets for example.
OTOH he has massive positional awareness and knows where to be and where his teammates are, which help Guimaraes to advance the ball and being more free to attack.
He always shows for defense when they have the ball, but Lyon make a lot of their build ups through the flanks first.
If he joins us, it will take a bit of a time for the team to adjust, but IMO he is the perfect partner for FDJ and to less extent Pedri. There will be some growing pains but IMO it will be worth it, especially with Busquets not getting any younger.
His teammates Bruno could also work in that position if we want a DM that is better on the ball. I won't mind getting both either, midfield is Lyon best line.
Caqueret, Guimaraes and Tonali are IMO the best Busi replacements, far better than the likes of Kamara, Kessie & Zakaria
