Manchester United are linked with Napoli fullback Elseid Hysaj who has two years left on his contract at the San Paolo Stadium.
According to a report from talkSport, the Albanian international has expressed his wish to quit Naples in order to win trophies playing elsewhere. The 25-year-old’s declaration will put big clubs in Europe on high alert with the likes of Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea already interested in attaining the signature of the Red Devils target.
Hysaj was one of Maurizio Sarri’s go-to men in the Napoli dressing room but has seen his minutes cut down this season under another Italian in Carlo Ancelotti. He managed only 35 appearances for Napoli across all competitions and is now seeking a move away from the club.
Hysaj at Old Trafford: A wise move by Ole?
The Albanian international is a versatile player who predominantly features in the right-back position but possesses the ability to switch to either flank in defence. His vision, discipline and awareness on a football pitch remain unparalleled to most fullbacks out there.
An attack-minded fullback who likes to maraud forward providing width to his team, he managed an average of 85.6% passing accuracy. His first touch to create space for himself to pick the right pass and his ability to hold onto the ball under pressure remains some of his key features which pose a threat to the opposition.
However, he does need to work on his crossing on the training ground. The 25-year-old averaged a poor 0.2 crosses per game which is in no way healthy for a fullback in the modern era. With a 6ft frame, he is known for his strength and aerial prowess which is another positive for a player signing up for a Premier League club- Hysaj managed an average of 1.0 aerial duels won per game.
The Napoli fullback displays much-needed balance in his style of play- no matter how much he likes to move up the field, he tracks back to perform his defensive duties with the same zeal and energy. Hysaj has managed an average of 1.5 tackles and 1.0 interception per game which has been useful to shut down the opposition counter-attacks on numerous occasions.
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is leading the charge to revamp the squad this summer. Solskjaer has been flexible in his approach so far fielding different formations depending upon the opposition and personnel available to him.
An addition of a flexible fullback can prove fruitful for the Norweigan manager who has the likes of Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw as the two out and out fullbacks at his disposal.
Stat Courtesy: Whoscored, Transfermarkt
