After finally securing a deal for Jadon Sancho, Manchester United have turned their attention to Rennes wonderkid Eduardo Camavinga.
The 18-year-old has already made 82 older appearances and interest in him has bubbled away for almost two years.
Although Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid, as well as Arsenal and Liverpool, remain in the competition for his signature, United are convinced to add Camavinga to their ranks this summer.
Although you will no doubt have heard his name mentioned before, you may be wondering exactly what it is about Camavinga that has made Europe’s best clubs so happy. Here’s what the kid can take to Old Trafford …
It’s hard to get the ball off Camavinga / John Berry / Getty Images
Once he has the ball, Camavinga is extremely difficult to remove. A combination of fast feet, fantastic dribbling and explosive pace also means that if the opposition overtrains in their pressure, he can punish them by beating his man and driving up the pitch.
Last season, he was on average only shy of two successful dribbles per 90 minutes, with a completion rate of 69%. Nice.
This ability to drive with the ball developed significantly last season. In the 2019/2020 campaign, he clocked 2756 progressive laps on the ball, a figure he increased by about 2,500 meters in just a handful more matches last semester. The amount of progressive transports he managed increased by 80 during the same period.
This information proves something that is immediately obvious when you see Camavinga play. Although he often takes the ball from the center backs deep inside his own half, he is not afraid to hit his man in these areas and bring his side up the pitch during the process.
He loves to spray a long-distance workout / FRANCK FIFE / Getty Images
Camavinga loves to run with the ball at his feet but he also knows when to keep things simple. Last season, despite his sore years, he rarely gave the ball away cheaply and completed only 90% of his passes.
Whenever he gives up the ball, he is anxious to get it back. He is always on the go to find an angle to help his teammates keep possession.
Although the majority of his passports are of the safe, hold-on variety, his range is also quite impressive. Last term, he sprayed 152 successful long balls, with a competition rate of 85.4%. The speed was only improved by the much more experienced Steven N’Zonzi in the Rennes squad last season.
For the most part, these long-passers were attractive game changers, something that United fans hope they see a lot of considering their strength far and wide.
Camavinga has a perfect defensive skill set / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
It is not just on the ball that Camavinga stands out. His best defensive attributes are tackles. He often resembles a wrapped cobra on the pitch and ends up in a low body position before pulling out a leg to regain possession for his side.
Last season, only four Ligue 1 players recorded more tackles than Camavinga – and all played more minutes. Overall, he received an average of 4.16 tackles per 90 minutes and his impressive defensive skill does not stop there.
Last semester, he averaged 6.74 successful hits per 90, proving both his energy and intelligent closing of passing lanes.
Eduardo Camavinga can revolutionize Man United’s midfield! ? pic.twitter.com/65DOE0ypiq
– 90min (@ 90min_Football) July 5, 2021
With the right coaching in some of his weaker areas, Camavinga can develop into a frighteningly good player who can dominate the central midfield position for many years to come.
One of his most obvious shortcomings is the lack of progressive passing. He may be comfortable in possession but he does not yet have the vision and betrayal to consistently dismantle defense.
Last season, he averaged just 3.72 progressive passes per 90 minutes. To put this number in some form of context, Fred – who is often harmed for his negativity in possession – averaged 5.6.
Strangely enough, despite his skill in tackling, Camvinga’s interception number was also terrible last season. He averaged just 0.75 interceptions per game, much less than Fred and Scott McTominay who he was expected to replace at United started XI.
His lack of wiretapping may indicate a preference for destructive midfield. However, this could cost him losing his midfield structure when he joins the Premier League. Camavinga may need to soften his youthful joy if he arrives in England.
Camavinga can be Pogba’s long-term replacement / FRANCK FIFE / Getty Images
Deciding where Camavinga fits into United midfield is a tough task. Because he possesses such a diverse set of skills, he seems capable – with the right coaching – of flourishing together with all his potential partners.
McTominay’s solidity would give him a license to drive forward from the depths, while Fred’s energy would make United one of the toughest pressing teams around.
In the long run, it’s easy to see Camavinga step into Paul Pogba’s shoes. Real Madrid are convinced he will join them next season and the player Pogba once called a “little dancer” could be the perfect replacement.
Although the Camavinga still has something to go on to match its older quality, there are more than a few comparisons that can be made between the pair. Namely the intoxicating mix of technology with physicality and the fantastic passage area. If United can make Camavinga more comfortable in the final third, he could step into Pogba’s shoes for the next five years.
