Kalidou Koulibaly

[Fracture90]

I've seen both over a period games, not extensively enough to give an indepth analysis but my take is Koulabily is solid but prone to a few positional errors in my opinion. He's quite easily the better ball playing centre back, I have no idea why this isn't mentioned, he's a fantastic passer of the ball and would eclipse any defender we have in that in department. Under pressure situations he can pick a decent pass to play Napoli out of trouble, he's physically imposing which naturally gives him more composure in sticky moments.

Skriniar on the other hand is more of a text book Italian esque defender, the games I've seen he's the type to pocket the offence, he cuts passing lines well seems to have a high level of concentration in his play and a consciousness to deter danger. It's very hard to pick between them, for me it comes down to a tactical implementation which depends on what our (or potential) manager would want from his centre halves.

Koulabily is closer to what we need OVERALL but he's age is a factor which puts a sour taste on the percieve value on a 100+ motion defender. If we go for Skriniar, id also throw De Ligt into the mix, they are both young but De Ligt shows a higher ceiling imo, he was Ajax best player when we played them in the Europa League final at like the age of 17 ? He's another who deserves a mention. Watch his performance against Bayern Munich it sums up his style of play Lewandowski is still probably wondering what happened.

Think that is a very important factor that is often overlooked. He would be 28 y old assuming we sign him this summer, he's got CAN this summer and question is how much time would he have to train with the squad and get familiar with his teammates before the season starts.

We also play a very high line in which he will be heavily dependant on his pace and speed, which will not last forever, especially in the prem which is far more physical and played with higher tempo than Calcio.

For all his qualities he undoubtedly possess, it's too high of a risk to splash 100 million (price quoted) for him.

Tony is a tried and tested premiere league experienced player and he is just 2 years elder than Koulibaly and he is available for 25Mil if not Ginger Or delegit looks like good options too !!

Problem with Toby is his serious loss of pace. We play a high CB line and with Lindelof already in team, we cannot afford to have another slow CB.

 

[Patrick08]

Think that is a very important factor that is often overlooked. He would be 28 y old assuming we sign him this summer, he's got CAN this summer and question is how much time would he have to train with the squad and get familiar with his teammates before the season starts.

We also play a very high line in which he will be heavily dependant on his pace and speed, which will not last forever, especially in the prem which is far more physical and played with higher tempo than Calcio.

For all his qualities he undoubtedly possess, it's too high of a risk to splash 100 million (price quoted) for him.

The board have to pay the price for their reactive, non sensical way of doing deals the market. If one doesn't o it wisely, one has to pay.

 

[Fracture90]

The board have to pay the price for their reactive, non sensical way of doing deals the market. If one doesn't o it wisely, one has to pay.

I'm all for punishing the board but if we are to splash 100 million for a 28y old CB from another league, then we're creating ourselves a whole lot of trouble when it comes to negotiating future deals imo.

 

[Jacob]

Too old

 

[Patrick08]

I'm all for punishing the board but if we are to splash 100 million for a 28y old CB from another league, then we're creating ourselves a whole lot of trouble when it comes to negotiating future deals imo.

It's the board who have to decide how they have to run the club in the future.

 

[Fracture90]

It's the board who have to decide how they have to run the club in the future.

It doesn't necessarily have to be either / or scenario, we can do without splashing 100 million on 28y old CB imo.

 

[Patrick08]

It doesn't necessarily have to be either / or scenario, we can do without splashing 100 million on 28y old CB imo.

We need to splash 60 m regardless on any other Cb. Also personally I think in the summer he could be available for 80-85 m.

 

[Fracture90]

We need to splash 60 m regardless on any other Cb. Also personally I think in the summer he could be available for 80-85 m.

Of course we need and we should.

Are you talking in € or £? Even £85 is too much imo, like I said it sents a dangerous precedent spending that much on a 28y old CB.

 

[Adam-Utd]

I’ve been watching Koulibaly when I can and I must say I think he’s overrated.

In the last game against Milan he stood off Piatek and got done in the box, and they conceded.

In my opinion at the moment, I think Maguire is the best fit for us. He looks like a United player.
He’s a year or so younger than Koulibaly, is English, is better in the air, would cost a good bit less, is used to the league, is a leader and loves to come out with the ball and make good risky passes. Alright he maybe lacks pace but he reads the game well.
We need someone who can dominate in the air.

So you saw 1 bad game and thought he looked overrated.

You say Maguire but he plays best in a deep lying defence. His pace isn't great and he get's caught up regularly against quick attackers. Yes he's an aerial threat but I think he works best in a back 3 with quicker CB to cover him. Leicester won't let him go much cheaper than Koulibaly.

Of course we need and we should.

Are you talking in € or £? Even £85 is too much imo, like I said it sents a dangerous precedent spending that much on a 28y old CB.

how does it? money like that is already being splashed about. We either pay up or don't get the player. We can go for a lesser talent if needs be for less money but that doesn't guarantee we will get anything better than what we have.

 

[Patrick08]

Of course we need and we should.

Are you talking in € or £? Even £85 is too much imo, like I said it sents a dangerous precedent spending that much on a 28y old CB.

Pounds of course. Wouldn't care if that leads to winning major titles. If one has to minimize the spending in process of achieving targets, one have to show proactiveness in the market. Clearly we do not so it's not in our control now.

 

[Fracture90]

how does it? money like that is already being splashed about. We either pay up or don't get the player. We can go for a lesser talent if needs be for less money.

Because you're breaking 100 million mark for someone who's 28 and playing in not so much flair position, signaling to everyone that you're willing to overpay for players you're interested in.

He's quality CB, amongst the best, but not the best.

 

[Adam-Utd]

Because you're breaking 100 million mark for someone who's 28 and playing in not so much flair position, signaling to everyone that you're willing to overpay for players you're interested in.

He's quality CB, amongst the best, but not the best.

He won't sell for 100m i'm certain of that. They'll accept around 60-70m happily. Italian CEO's are known to fib about bids. Look at the Lazio boss saying he's rejected 120m for Milenkovic-Savic no chance.

 

[Fracture90]

Pounds of course. Wouldn't care if that leads to winning major titles. If one has to minimize the spending in process of achieving targets, one have to show proactiveness in the market. Clearly we do not so it's not in our control now.

That's the issue, this ain't FM, spending that much on a CB isn't won't guarantee you major titles, especially not if we splash half of our budget on him whilst there are other gaping holes in our team.

Our high CB line with Lindelof requires from his CB partner to be very quick and pacey, which Koulibaly has in abundance, but for how long? He'll be 28, coming off a Cup of African nations where his native Senegal has a role of one of the favourites, which means he'll probably miss preseason with us. Then there's the question of EPL being more physical and played in a much higher tempo to Calcio, how long will it take him to adapt and for how long will he be able to maintain his pace?

Too big of a gamble imo to spend that huge chunk of our budget when we have other areas that require improving.

 

[Fracture90]

He won't sell for 100m i'm certain of that. They'll accept around 60-70m happily. Italian CEO's are known to fib about bids. Look at the Lazio boss saying he's rejected 120m for Milenkovic-Savic no chance.

Hey if it's for 60-70 max, buy him without question imo, but those prices quoted from 85-100 are crazy.

Lotito is known for his tendency to exaggerate things tbh.

 

[Fracture90]

Also idk if it was mentioned (probably has) but he isn't 195cm tall like it says on wiki, he's 187cm tall, something even he himself jokingly addressed when he said how Napoli's president (De Lurentiis) used that false bit of information to lower his transfer fee when he was signing Koulibaly to Napoli from Genk.

 

[crossy1686]

People still out here believing Woodwards briefings? The guy is the biggest spineless fool in football. We were outspent by relegation dross in the summer. And in January he had a convenient excuse on waiting for a new manager. We dont need to wait for a new manager to improve our non existent RW, our converted winger at RB, our only left footed leftback. Do you think the Martial contract signing on deadline day was a coincidence? It was tactical to keep fans onside. This was the same guy who helped the glazers take ownership of the club, don't put anything past him.

There's whole lot of your opinion here and nothing to back it up.

 

[Patrick08]

That's the issue, this ain't FM, spending that much on a CB isn't won't guarantee you major titles, especially not if we splash half of our budget on him whilst there are other gaping holes in our team.

Our high CB line with Lindelof requires from his CB partner to be very quick and pacey, which Koulibaly has in abundance, but for how long? He'll be 28, coming off a Cup of African nations where his native Senegal has a role of one of the favourites, which means he'll probably miss preseason with us. Then there's the question of EPL being more physical and played in a much higher tempo to Calcio, how long will it take him to adapt and for how long will he be able to maintain his pace?

Too big of a gamble imo to spend that huge chunk of our budget when we have other areas that require improving.

It's not the high line which is the problem, bailly is good enough to deal with that, its aerial dominance in the box and defensive awareness / discipline /concentration is where we concede goals and come under pressure. He gives us ability to defend deep and counter attack with pace and precesion. No transfer guarantees titles but if you improve weakness in your team it leads to more points, stable solid defense which is key to winning titles. Recovery pace is not an issue where we concede goals.

It's a necessity at this point not a gamble. We have the budget and if we buy wisely we can be ready to put a serious challenge on all fronts provided we buy wisely.

 

[sp_107]

Think that is a very important factor that is often overlooked. He would be 28 y old assuming we sign him this summer, he's got CAN this summer and question is how much time would he have to train with the squad and get familiar with his teammates before the season starts.

We also play a very high line in which he will be heavily dependant on his pace and speed, which will not last forever, especially in the prem which is far more physical and played with higher tempo than Calcio.

For all his qualities he undoubtedly possess, it's too high of a risk to splash 100 million (price quoted) for him.



Problem with Toby is his serious loss of pace. We play a high CB line and with Lindelof already in team, we cannot afford to have another slow CB.

Totally ageeed, we can't afford few more bad transfer windows! Should get 4 or 5 right players who can suit our style of play and got the hunger to prove

 

[Fracture90]

It's not the high line which is the problem, bailly is good enough to deal with that, its aerial dominance in the box and defensive awareness / discipline /concentration is where we concede goals and come under pressure. He gives us ability to defend deep and counter attack with pace and precesion. No transfer guarantees titles but if you improve weakness in your team it leads to more points, stable solid defense which is key to winning titles. Recovery pace is not an issue where we concede goals.

It's a necessity at this point not a gamble. We have the budget and if we buy wisely we can be ready to put a serious challenge on all fronts provided we buy wisely.

Honestly each time I watched Napoli (which admittedly wasn't that many times) Koulibaly wasn't really that big of a standout when it comes to his aerial prowess.

Guess we can agree to disagree when it comes to signing Koulibaly.

 

[Patrick08]

Honestly each time I watched Napoli (which admittedly wasn't that many times) Koulibaly wasn't really that big of a standout when it comes to his aerial prowess.

Guess we can agree to disagree when it comes to signing Koulibaly.

I am not the one adamant that he is the only answer, but I dont see any other option like him at this moment which is an upgrade on what we have. A Dominant centre half with confidence on the ball , who is comfortable on the lcb position is the profile we need. What are other options than him?

Milan Skriniar? De ligt? Jose Jimenez? Harry Mcguire? What are other options out there who checks every box out there?

 

[Fracture90]

I am not the one adamant that he is the only answer, but I dont see any other option like him at this moment which is an upgrade on what we have. A Dominant centre half with confidence on the ball , who is comfortable on the lcb position is the profile we need. What are other options than him?

Milan Skriniar? De ligt? Jose Jimenez? Harry Mcguire? What are other options out there who checks every box out there?

I'd go for De Ligt, but Manolas for €36 million (his alleged release clause is also a good shout).

 

[Patrick08]

I'd go for De Ligt, but Manolas for €36 million (his alleged release clause is also a good shout).

Manolas is so much like Lindelof, not a aerially dominant centre half for this league, and de ligt although a great talent is one for the future, and he will be mistake prone as well in a new league with different play style even costing around 60 m for sure given the competition. How are they going to improve us for next season on what we already have?

They dont check the boxes we require, that's the problem. Also if we were in for Manolas We would have done it in January itself given the price.

 

[Fracture90]

Manolas is so much like Lindelof, not a aerially dominant centre half for this league, and de ligt although a great talent is one for the future, and he will be mistake prone as well in a new league with different play style even costing around 60 m for sure given the competition. How are they going to improve us for next season on what we already have?

They dont check the boxes we require, that's the problem. Also if we were in for Manolas We would have done it in January itself given the price.

Dude I'm not sure you even watched Manolas playing if you say he's not dominant in the air.

You're just imagining reasons to keep pushing your Koulibaly idea. There's a reason De Ligt is considered by many a generational talent and he's already a leader in Ajax.

You're assuming Koulibaly would fit right in, even though he's coming from a different, less demanding league and but you're taking a jab at De Ligt stating he'll be mistake prone in the new league.

They would both be, but I think due to De Ligt younger age he'll be able to grow into the league better.

 

[stubie]

What do Serie A viewers make of Joachim Andersen?

 

[SinNombre]

Manolas is not a very good CB.

What he does have is a very good agent.

The easiest way to make a player be better than he actually is by linking him continuously to United, Bayern and other big clubs.

 

[Rocksy]

Wouldn’t Gimenez be a better option? Younger, stronger and has more UCL and league-winning experience. Have liked him every time I’ve seen him play.

 

[SinNombre]

Gimenez would have been the preferred option for a lot of people a few months back. He has struggled a bit this season, as have a lot of players at Atletico.

Might be an argument to be made that Simeone's methods are starting to run its course and it's time for their younger players to move to a new challenge.

Maybe a reasonably priced double deal for Gimenez and Saul and we can give them discount duo of Mata and Perreira in return :P

(yes, i know that swap deals never happen in reality)

 

[Adam-Utd]

Dude I'm not sure you even watched Manolas playing if you say he's not dominant in the air.

You're just imagining reasons to keep pushing your Koulibaly idea. There's a reason De Ligt is considered by many a generational talent and he's already a leader in Ajax.

You're assuming Koulibaly would fit right in, even though he's coming from a different, less demanding league and but you're taking a jab at De Ligt stating he'll be mistake prone in the new league.

They would both be, but I think due to De Ligt younger age he'll be able to grow into the league better.

Koulibaly bossed it in the CL also. The serie A isn’t a piss poor league either.

 

[Fracture90]

Koulibaly bossed it in the CL also. The serie A isn’t a piss poor league either.

At this point we'd just be going in circles mate, nonetheless good talk!

 

[RedDevilRoshi]

Too old

Nonsense, he’s the same age as Van Dijk who’s probably the best defender in the league.

Koulibaly is one of the best in the world and the sort of CB that we desperately require.

 

[The Irish Connection]

Hey if it's for 60-70 max, buy him without question imo, but those prices quoted from 85-100 are crazy.

Lotito is known for his tendency to exaggerate things tbh.

Yes.

My suggestion, Maguire, made a mistake today against spurs. Both are flawed I think and overpriced, but obviously have good points. If the price was knocked down on either by 20 mill or so I think they would be good buys.

 

[Fracture90]

Yes.

My suggestion, Maguire, made a mistake today against spurs. Both are flawed I think and overpriced, but obviously have good points. If the price was knocked down on either by 20 mill or so I think they would be good buys.

Tbh think his lack of pace might be a serious issue for the style of play we prefer atm.

 

[TrebleFan99]

I am not the one adamant that he is the only answer, but I dont see any other option like him at this moment which is an upgrade on what we have. A Dominant centre half with confidence on the ball , who is comfortable on the lcb position is the profile we need. What are other options than him?

Milan Skriniar? De ligt? Jose Jimenez? Harry Mcguire? What are other options out there who checks every box out there?

I would be happy with Koulibaly and I do rate him as one of Europe’s top CBs.

However, for the money being talked about we could have Toby Alderweireld (25M) which is a no brainer while possibly even bringing in de Ligt for the price of Koulibaly alone. So there are certainly options beyond Koulibaly.

 

[Adam-Utd]

I would be happy with Koulibaly and I do rate him as one of Europe’s top CBs.

However, for the money being talked about we could have Toby Alderweireld (25M) which is a no brainer while possibly even bringing in de Ligt for the price of Koulibaly alone. So there are certainly options beyond Koulibaly.

Alderwiereld is slow, injury prone. We’re paying money to a direct rival to for somebody who imo isn’t a huge amount better than what we already have.

 

[TrebleFan99]

Alderwiereld is slow, injury prone. We’re paying money to a direct rival to for somebody who imo isn’t a huge amount better than what we already have.

I disagree. Alderweireld would be a big improvement on what we have. Easily one of the best CBs in the league.

Who cares if we meet his buyout clause, if anything it would weaken Spurs because they won’t replace him for that fee in this over priced market.

 

[Devil may care]

Alderwiereld is past his best and a crap fit with Lindelof.

 

[TrebleFan99]

Alderwiereld is past his best and a crap fit with Lindelof.

That’s your opinion.

He’s better than, and plays more games than Jones and Rojo combined. So again, with a 25M release we could do a lot worse.

That said, I’m very happy with Lindelof’s progress. I hope he continues this form.

 

[Escobar]

Koulibaly is too expensive for us. We have so many areas we need to address, we cant splash out 100m for a defender imo. If we spend so much money, it should be for an attacking player.

There are other rather good but cheaper options around. I guess this transfer was over when he re-signed

 

[OGSaviour]

truely believe we'll make him the first £100 mil defender and it'll be the only transfer in for us

 

[RedStarUnited]

How good is this guy in the air? whoever we sign next to play CB needs to be a monster in the air.