Noussair Mazraoui vs Aaron Wan-Bissaka: What Can the Moroccan Offer Man Utd?

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Here’s what we got for you today:

• Noussair Mazraoui vs Aaron Wan-Bissaka

• Liverpool's U.S. Tour: Key Takeaways

Noussair Mazraoui vs Aaron Wan-Bissaka: What Can the Moroccan Offer Man Utd?

Manchester United is reportedly looking to sell Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham and replace him with Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui. Let’s dive into what Mazraoui could bring to the Red Devils that Wan-Bissaka lacks.

Erik ten Hag, with a significant influence on United’s recruitment, seems to favour players familiar to him from his Eredivisie days. This trend continues with the potential acquisition of Mazraoui, who played under Ten Hag at Ajax.

Defensive Dependability vs. Technical Flair: Wan-Bissaka, known for his defensive prowess, particularly in one-on-one situations, has been a reliable asset for United. However, his technical skills, especially in the attacking third, have been a persistent issue. Despite hopes for improvement, his offensive contributions remain limited.

Mazraoui, on the other hand, is more technically gifted and offensively inclined. His heat maps and performance stats highlight a player who thrives in advanced positions, creating more chances and providing greater support to attackers. His ability to carry the ball forward and contribute to offensive plays is a stark contrast to Wan-Bissaka’s more defensive role.

Key Stats Comparison

- Chance Creation: Mazraoui averages 1.35 chance-creating carries per 90 minutes compared to Wan-Bissaka’s 0.76.

- Attacking Involvement: Mazraoui’s touches are more concentrated in the attacking half, reflecting his forward-thinking approach.

- Defensive Duels: Mazraoui’s 62.4% success rate in ground duels over the past two seasons is impressive, though Wan-Bissaka excels in one-on-one situations.

Mazraoui’s versatility is another significant advantage. Comfortable playing as a left-back and even in midfield, he offers tactical flexibility. This could be crucial given United’s injury issues last season, with players like Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia missing significant time.

Potential Concerns: Mazraoui’s injury record at Bayern might be a concern for some fans. Ensuring he stays fit will be essential for him to make a meaningful impact at Old Trafford.

While Wan-Bissaka’s defensive skills are top-notch, Mazraoui’s technical ability, attacking mindset, and versatility make him an exciting prospect for United. His arrival could provide the offensive boost needed for United to exert more control in matches and support their attacking ambitions.

Liverpool's U.S. Tour: Key Takeaways

Liverpool's pre-season tour in the United States under new head coach Arne Slot has concluded with a perfect record: three games, three wins, six goals scored, and just one conceded. Slot expressed his satisfaction, emphasizing the fitness and performance of his squad as they embraced his tactical changes. Here’s a deep dive into what worked, what needs attention, and what to expect as the Premier League opener against Ipswich Town approaches.

Tactical Adjustments and Player Adaptation: One of the most significant changes under Slot is the shift towards a more possession-based game, often described as an elegant Dutch style. This new approach focuses on in-possession play and controlled build-ups rather than the fast-paced, high-pressing style typical under Jurgen Klopp. Harvey Elliott, thriving in a No. 10 role, and Curtis Jones, appreciating the more measured attacking approach, have both been standout performers.

Training and Hands-On Coaching: Slot's hands-on coaching style is a departure from Klopp's method, where assistant Pep Lijnders often led training sessions. Slot’s direct involvement, such as demonstrating tactical nuances to players, has been integral. Drills focused on one-twos, overlaps, and low crosses into the box have translated into game situations, as seen in the goal against Manchester United.

Midfield Dynamics and Defensive Concerns: While Liverpool's midfield showed promise, the holding role remains a concern. Wataru Endo struggled to adapt to the possession-oriented game, raising questions about his fit in Slot’s system. Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones were preferred in deeper roles, with Ryan Gravenberch also getting a chance to impress. The need for a dynamic, specialist No. 6 remains pressing, as evidenced by the ease with which opponents created chances.

Player Performances and Injury Updates

• Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota: Both players look sharp after proper summer breaks, with Salah particularly benefiting from a rest period.

• Ryan Gravenberch: Showed promise in his pre-season outings, though his physicality remains a work in progress.

• Kostas Tsimikas: Excelled in the absence of Andy Robertson, who is nearing full fitness.

• Conor Bradley: Impressed on the right flank, providing crucial assists and combining well with attackers.

Squad Management and Transfer Speculations

Liverpool's squad depth was tested with 32 players on tour and several still on holiday. The need to trim the squad is evident, with decisions pending on several players:

• Wataru Endo: His future remains uncertain amid interest from Marseille.

• Fabio Carvalho: Despite strong performances, his starting spot is uncertain once senior players return.

• Joe Gomez: Nearly moved to Newcastle United, but his future at Liverpool remains undecided.

• Young Prospects: Tyler Morton, Stefan Bajcetic, and Sepp van den Berg have all shown potential but face stiff competition for regular playing time.

Looking Ahead: Slot’s Liverpool showed promising signs in the U.S., with a clear tactical vision and improved player performances. However, addressing the defensive midfield position and finalizing the squad composition are critical steps before the Premier League opener. With key players returning and a solid pre-season foundation, Liverpool is poised to embark on a successful 2024-25 campaign under Slot's guidance.

Games To Watch

🥇 Summer Olympics Semi-final:

• 🇲🇦 Morocco vs Spain 🇪🇸 (UK 5pm - US 12pm ET)

• 🇫🇷 France vs Egypt 🇪🇬 (UK 8pm - US 3pm ET)

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