But first, what does an Erik ten Hag defensive midfielder do? Although the defensive midfielders on his two distinct Ajax teams played varied roles, the general purpose of their positions was the same.
Since Michael Carrick left the team, Manchester United has not had a top-tier defensive midfielder, and the absence of such a player has become a very apparent problem. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk about the three distinct individuals the Reds may sign to improve their defensive midfield situation.
First and foremost, Ten Hag needs his defensive midfielder to be skilled with the ball and composed when in possession. Additionally, he expects his defensive midfielder to be mobile and capable of stopping or controlling negative transitions. He accomplished this feat with the help of Lassa Schne and Frenkie De Jong in his 18/19 Champions League semi-finalists, however at his most recent Ajax club, Edson Alvarez is tasked with the most of the defensive midfield responsibilities.
To start things off, the ideal acquisition is Declan Rice. The player for West Ham United is a complete defensive midfielder, and when it comes to his position, he is among the greatest in all of Europe.
Rice was only a destroyer when he first came onto the scene; he would sit in front of the defense and disrupt play with his talent as a ball winner. However, as he has played more minutes, Rice has developed into a much more well-rounded player.
Video: Erik Ten Hag Name 3 Powerful Defensive Midfield He will Sign this Summer
When in possession of the ball, he maintains an impressive level of composure and has a decent passing range off of both feet. Rice is able to make several interceptions thanks to the England international’s exceptional intelligence and ability to read the game well. Rice is an England international.
Despite the fact that he turned down another contract offer from West Ham, it is possible that his current term will not expire for another three years. However, due to his talent, the Hammers have placed a price tag of 150 million British pounds on his head. Declan Rice would be the ultimate transfer for Manchester United since he would cost an absurd amount of money but is widely considered to be the best defensive midfielder in the world who is available for transfer.
Aurelien Tchouameni is a player whose transfer is increasingly likely to occur. According to reports, the 22-year-old Frenchman would have a price tag of approximately 60 million dollars, which is significantly less than what West Ham wants for Declan Rice. Tchouameni is not on the same level as Rice, but he still possesses a very solid combination of skills.
Tchouameni is a physically imposing figure who, in addition to his speed, agility, and technical talent, also possesses a lot of speed. He has excellent passing range, the ability to dribble with the ball at his feet, and is an outstanding ball winner. On the field, Tchouameni possesses a high level of awareness.
He is always taking in his surroundings by looking over his shoulder, which provides him with a mental image of the situation that enables him to make sound decisions. A top-tier talent will also have the ability to play accurate disguised passes, and he possesses this ability.
In the meantime, Tchouameni is outstanding even without the ball. Tchouameni has been the premier ball winner over the course of the past two complete seasons, and he even beats some of the top players in the Premier League in his individual duels.
And last but not least, a wildcard choice. There are a significant number of defensive midfielders now on the field. Old Trafford might find a place for Boubacar Kamara, Kalvin Phillips, and possibly Frenkie de Jong among its ranks. The evidence, however, points in the direction of Ibrahim Sangaré.
Sangaré, who is now 24 years old, was a fan favorite of Statman Dave back when he was playing for Toulouse. Since joining PSV Eindhoven, where he plays for Roger Schmidt, Sangaré has shown steady improvement. Sangaré, who is a fantastic destroyer as well as a very controlled ball player, came very close to making a move to Newcastle in January for a fee of 25 million pounds. Sangaré, who is anticipated to be available for a comparable price in the summer, would be an inexpensive method to bolster Manchester United’s midfield, allowing monies to be spent upgrading other parts of the team instead. Sangaré is expected to be available in the summer.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
But tell me, what are your thoughts? Which defensive midfielder should Manchester United sign for Erik Ten Hag? Leave a comment below telling me what you think about this, please!