Maguire is both the traditional English defender – no-nonsense, strong in the air and in the tackle – and the prototypical modern centre-back, good with the ball at his feet, a solid distributor, and a potent attacking threat, which he showed at the World Cup.
His per-game stats from the Premier League show why he’s being linked with a move to United. Last season, he won 62 per cent of his duels, best of all our targets. He won more tackles per 90 minutes in the league than anyone bar Yerry Mina (!)– who only played two league games for Barcelona.
Maguire also beats out our other targets (again, bar Mina in his two-game cameo) for successful take-ons (85 per cent) and his key passes per 90 statistic (0.36) is commendable as well.
Like Maguire, Alderweireld is tough-nosed defender who is also comfortable joining the attack, and provides a goal threat both in the air and with a fierce shot.
He’s good on the ball – he won 83 per cent of his take-ons and had a pass accuracy of 86 perecnt last season, and he has a penchant for playing long, raking balls over the top which players like Romelu Lukaku will love. However, he wins fewer aerial duels than most of our targets – 34 per cente last season – which Would be a problem for José.
If I had to choose one, I would choose Maguire, however I am a big admirer of both.
