While a centre-back should be the priority for Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal this month, links with a move for Palermo’s Paulo Dybala come as little shock after the weekend. In the recent 1-0 home defeat to Southampton, United were toothless in front of goal, with none of their 10 shots hitting the target. Robin van Persie had shown signs that he was beginning to return to form earlier in the campaign, but has underwhelmed lately. Meanwhile, for all the money spent to secure Falcao’s services on deadline day, the Colombian has failed to set the world alight following his loan switch to Old Trafford.
Van Gaal has the creative personnel at his disposal to challenge for the title, but a striker who brings more to his game than just goals is essential. Dybala, in that regard, fits the mould perfectly. The Argentine has been central to Palermo’s recent upturn in form having scored or assisted a goal in each of his last 8 Serie A appearances. As a result, only Carlos Tévez (16) has directly contributed to more goals in Italy’s top tier this season than Dybala (15).
The 21-year-old will not come cheap, though. Charismatic Palermo owner Maurizio Zamparini values Dybala at over £30m and his displays for the Rosanero this season suggests Zamparini is right to rate the young striker so highly. Only teammate Franco Vázquez (7.73) has earned a better WhoScored rating than Dybala (7.70) in Serie A this term, reinforcing Zamparini’s valuation of the former Instituto trainee. Following in the footsteps of Edinson Cavani and Javier Pastore, Dybala is the latest South American to make a name for himself at Palermo and with WhoScored strengths of ‘key passes’, ‘finishing’ and ‘dribbling’; Dybala could be exactly the striker United require to lead them back to glory.
Liverpool’s goalkeeping woes are hardly the best kept secret in football. Simon Mignolet has looked shaky in between the sticks when called on, while Brad Jones is not deemed an adequate standiin for a team harbouring Champions League aspirations. At 22 years of age, young Mathew Ryan already has ample European and international experience, having kept goal for Australia at the 2014 World Cup, and has reportedly attracted the interest of the Reds.
His performances between the sticks for Club Bruges in the group stages of the Europa League ensured the Belgian outfit secured top spot in Group B, with no goalkeeper keeping more clean sheets than Ryan (4) in the competition so far. No team conceded fewer goals in the group stages than Club Bruges (2), with the young Australian playing a key role.
Of all goalkeepers to have made at least 3 appearances in the Europa League so far, only Tim Howard (93.5%) has a better save success rate than Ryan (92%). His club form has helped Club Bruges to the summit of the Jupiler League this season and his experience in Europe and all-round goalkeeping ability would appeal to Brendan Rodgers should he look to replace Mignolet and Jones.
Gary Cahill’s recent defensive displays have left a lot to be desired. Usually a solid performer alongside John Terry, the England international has been disappointing for the Blues recently, culminating in a torrid 90 minutes in the 5-3 defeat to Tottenham at White Hart Lane on New Year’s Day. A WhoScored rating of 5.53 - the worst of all players in Spurs’ thumping win - compounded a miserable run of form for Cahill and it was no real shock to see him dropped for the subsequent Premier League fixture, a 2-0 win over Newcastle.
Kurt Zouma turned out a solid performance alongside Terry in the victory and despite Chelsea’s impressive defensive record in the Premier League this season, manager José Mourinho believes the Blues need to bring in a centre-back this month. Recently linked with a move to Stamford Bridge is the highly rated Raphaël Varane, who Mourinho signed when he was in charge of Real Madrid. "I think he (Varane) is the best young defender in the world," Mourinho said of the Frenchman last March. It’s unlikely the Chelsea boss will pass up the chance to sign Varane for a second time given the opportunity.
With Sergio Ramos and Pepe Carlo Ancelotti’s first-choice centre-back pairing at Real Madrid, Varane has seen his first-team opportunities in La Liga limited this season. The France international has made only 5 league starts so far, but has impressed when featuring from the off in the league as his WhoScored rating from starts only (7.42) suggests. With WhoScored strengths of ‘passing’ and ‘aerial duels’, Varane has the necessary qualities to succeed at Chelsea, with the team boasting strengths of ‘defending set pieces’ and ‘attacking set pieces’ and a style of play of ‘short passes’. With European and international experience despite his tender years, Chelsea would be foolish to turn down the chance to sign Varane this month, provided Real Madrid are willing to entertain offers.
Do you think any of these potential transfers will go through this month? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
