Why buying Giovanni Di Lorenzo would offer Manchester United plenty of options in defence
According to Calcio Napoli 24 (h/t Daily Mail), Manchester United have contacted Napoli right-back, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, ahead of the summer transfer window.
Di Lorenzo has been an instant hit at the San Paolo since arriving from FC Empoli last summer. Despite it being his maiden season with the Naples-based outfit, Di Lorenzo has become a vital member of Gennaro Gattuso’s side.
Di Lorenzo is an undisputed first-choice regular, not just with Gattuso, but also with previous boss Carlo Ancelotti, who was the one to sign him. His 25 appearances in Napoli’s 26 league games is a testament to his consistency.
However, it is his versatility at the back that has attracted the Old Trafford faithful. Despite being a full-back, Di Lorenzo’s consistency in the side has seen him being deployed in a variety of positions at the back.
In his first season alone, the Italian has played in all three positions in defence. The 26-year-old has mostly appeared on the right but has also featured at centre-back and left-back.
His commendable displays in all these positions have seen him attract interests from the Red Devils, who already have a first-choice right-back in Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The summer signing has arguably been United’s best performer this season. He has been rock-solid at the back and leads the list of players with most tackles in the Premier League.
There is no doubt that Wan-Bissaka is, at the moment, one of the best defensive right-backs in England. However, he still has a lot to improve in terms of his attacking output. The 22-year-old has managed just two assists so far.
Di Lorenzo, on the other hand, has been pretty impressive in the attack. He has scored two goals and assisted four times despite playing fewer games than his English counterpart.
Thus, landing Di Lorenzo would give Bissaka some competition in the side for a starting role and also offer manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plenty of options to choose at the back.
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Verdict
Di Lorenzo’s flexibility to play anywhere in the defence would be a great advantage for a United side that has been inconsistent at times in defence.
An experienced customer, Di Lorenzo would not take much time to adjust to the new surroundings if a deal works out. Hence, Manchester United signing the Italian would offer them plenty of options at the back ahead of next season.
