Why Evan N’Dicka can offer Southampton stability at the back
According to Sky Sports, Premier League side Southampton are interested in Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan N’Dicka.
A left-footed player, N’Dicka predominantly plays as a centre-back but has mostly been used as a left-back at Frankfurt this season. The 20-year-old Frenchman’s improved displays at the back have seen him feature 25 times across all competitions for the Bundesliga side. However, N’Dicka had already established himself as a vital player in Adi Hutter’s side last season.
Despite being just 19, N’Dicka’s standout displays at the back saw the youngster grabbing 36 appearances for Frankfurt in his debut season with them. Mostly deployed as a centre-back throughout last season, young N’Dicka has seen a shift in his role this time.
The lack of an established left-back has seen the young Frenchman being moved across to the flanks midway through the season. Moreover, with newcomer left-back Erik Durm failing to impress since his arrival from Huddersfield last summer, coach Hutter has opted to play N’Dicka in the full-back spot.
In his 8 league appearances as left-back for Frankfurt, N’Dicka has helped his side emerge victorious three times and has as many clean sheets to his name.
Meanwhile, after an early disappointing spell, Southampton have managed to climb the Premier League table and are currently in 14th place.
N’Dicka a safe bet for Southampton
Southampton’s defence has been a major concern, with the side conceding a massive 52 goals from 29 league games. They have the second-worst defensive record in the top-flight this season. Only relegation-threatened Aston Villa (56) have conceded more than them.
With the Saints clearly struggling at the back this season, bringing the young N’Dicka seems like a welcome move. Also, Southampton currently have just two left-backs in their side – veteran Ryan Bertrand and the injured Sam McQueen. A former Champions League winner with Chelsea, the 30-year-old Bertrand, however, is no more the player he once was.
Despite featuring in almost all their league games this season, Bertrand has managed just one assist. This is a clear dip in form compared to his four and five assists in the previous two seasons respectively.
Academy graduate McQueen has not featured in a single game this season and is currently out due to a cruciate ligament rupture. With the 25-year-old McQueen’s future remaining an uncertainty, roping in the young N’Dicka seems like a good option for Southampton.
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Verdict
For a defence that has been struggling this season at the back until now, N’Dicka’s arrival will be a blessing. Moreover, his versatility to function anywhere in the defence will give Hasenhuttl plenty of options. Thus, Southampton should not waste any time and land N’Dicka. It would give them some defensive stability next season.