Fred announcement nears as stats prove Man United getting complete midfielder

Aditya Devavrat 17:06 05/06/2018
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  • Fred looks set to join Manchester United.

    What exactly are Manchester United getting in Brazilian midfielder Fred?

    Though the Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder impressed during the Champions League last season, notably catching Pep Guardiola‘s eye during group stage fixtures against Manchester City, the Brazilian remains somewhat of an unknown quantity as he nears a move to Old Trafford.

    The 25-year-old describes himself as a conductor of play in midfield, and his stats show he’s worthy of that title.

    His 85 per cent pass completion rate in eight European games last season is roughly the same as what Paul Pogba achieved across competitions in 2017-18, although it’s slightly lower than those of Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera.

    But what really underlines his credentials as a conductor is the 1.13 chances he created per 90 minutes in the Champions League. That was better than any United player in the competition last season, and when looking at Premier League stats, only Pogba, with 1.53, managed better.

    Fred also averaged 0.12 goals and 0.12 assists per 90 minutes, again better than Pogba, Herrera, and Matic in Europe. His corresponding numbers from the Ukrainian Premier League – 0.11 goals and 0.18 assists – would leave him trailing only Pogba’s domestic stats.

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    If that weren’t promising enough, what should truly excite United fans is Fred’s skill on the ball. His 88 per cent successful take-on rate in the Champions League was a better stat than any incumbent midfielder managed in European competition last season, with Matic’s Premier League rate of 89 per cent just edging him out. As advertised, Fred will be bringing some Brazilian flair to Manchester.

    He’s no slouch defensively, either. Only Herrera could best Fred’s 2.25 tackles per 90 minutes in Europe, while that stat tops what any United midfielder managed domestically. Fred also won 54 per cent of his duels, a number that puts him alongside the incumbent trio.

    And speaking of Brazilians, any United fan disappointed at seeing Fabinho go to Liverpool should be pleased at getting Fred instead. In the Champions League, the Donetsk man beat his compatriot in every passing stat and just about every defensive stat, losing out only in interceptions and aerial duels. Bear in mind, Fred is 5’7″ and Fabinho is 6’2″.

    The new Liverpool signing did have a slightly better goal contribution across competitions, 13 to 11, but much of that was down to Fabinho taking penalties – seven of his eight goals were from the spot.

    Put Fred’s attacking and defensive numbers together, and it looks like Manchester United are getting a complete midfielder.

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