I’d prefer Todibo for the potential implications to long term squad building, but if it’s not him, then Pavard is a good player to sign. Think he’d start at RB almost immediately. He’d offer us better defensive solidity than either of our current options, and he’s much better on the ball than either Dalot or Wan-Bissaka.
I’d imagine that if he were to sign, he’d operate primarily as a RB, and an occasional RCB. But more likely Lindelof acts as RCB cover, Shaw as LCB cover - being left footed - and Dalot acts as additional LB cover, especially if the LB plays as an inverted fullback. It’s almost an advantage him being right footed.
Pavard is a hugely experienced, international class defender with excellent technical ability. Would be a massive upgrade on Maguire, and frankly I think we’d find him being a significant upgrade on either of our existing RBs. I think we’d also see in possession, him shifting over to play as part of a three with Varane and Martinez, with both him and Martinez having the license and ability to step into defensive midfield, and thus allowing Shaw to play much higher up the field creating overloads.
Just for the tactical flexibility and immediate quality this would give us, I really want this signing to happen. Immediate understanding with Varane too. Plus he’s only 27 and will be available for around what we sold Maguire for. Essentially a Maguire for Pavard swap is the stuff dreams are made of.
I think people also aren’t realising what a goal threat he poses as well. He’s very technical and for a RB has both an excellent finish and shot on him. His delivery from out wide is also miles ahead of either AWB or Dalot. Miles.