Leicester City have been handed a boost after ESPN have reported that Harry Maguire’s transfer to Manchester United is “miles away”.
According to the report, United are a considerable distance away from Leicester City’s asking price, despite previous stories from The Sun saying that Maguire was preparing for a medical at Old Trafford after an £80million fee had been agreed.
The Sheffield-born player was bought from Hull for £17million in 2017.
It’s good news for Leicester City that reports suggest that United are further away from their man, as from a statistical point a view, his departure would be very detrimental to the team.
In comparison to the other main centre-half Jonny Evans, Maguire leads the majority of the charts defensively, in attack and as a passer.
Defensively, they both average one tackle per game, and Evans averages more interceptions with 1.4 compared to 1.2 and more clearances with 6.1 to 4.9. Maguire makes fewer fouls, averaging 0.6 fouls per game compared to 0.9, and makes more blocks per game with 0.6 compared to 0.4, according to WhoScored.
Maguire has scored three times this season to Evans’ one and averages twice as many shots per game, with Maguire averaging one and Evans 0.5 – highlighting his threat from corners. Maguire averages 0.4 key passes compared to Evans’ 0.2.
He also makes a really impressive 0.5 dribbles per game, which shows his tremendous ability to travel with the ball from centre back to start attacks, something highlighted by the Premier League‘s official website in 2017.
These stats show how well-rounded Maguire is, and prove how his height and stockiness can blur how good he is on the ball.
Robbie Fowler recently said how he thinks United should bite the bullet and pay the fee demanded for Maguire, saying that he is worth the money in this market.
He said in the Sunday Mirror (P69 July 14, 2019) (via Daily Star): “Harry Maguire is no Virgil van Dijk. But if Leicester value the England defender at £90million and there is a club out there willing to stump-up the cash, then that is his true worth in the 2019 transfer market.”
“Is Maguire as good as Van Dijk? No. But he would still improve most teams in the Premier League – and if Manchester United decide to pay, then know he WILL make them far more formidable.”
Even if Leicester City get in £80million for Harry Maguire, there will be a gaping hole in their defence and they potentially won’t be able to find someone who is as good.
Going off his aforementioned stats, he is an all-round centre back who is getting more experienced season-by-season.
Indeed, they would be missing a player who feels comfortable with the ball at his feet, which will not be a problem Brendan Rodgers would like, bearing in mind his tactical preference is to play out from the back (as highlighted by Leicestershire Live).
Foxes, how much is Maguire really worth in your eyes? Join the discussion by commenting below…
