International goalkeeper Yann Sommer has been linked with a move to Manchester United, report Swiss outlet Blick.
Sommer, 33, is a potential target to be back-up for David de Gea, but here’s the thing – Sommer is good enough to displace the Spaniard.
The Borussia Moenchengladbach goalkeeper is a more well-rounded player than De Gea, and far better suited to Erik ten Hag’s style of play.
De Gea’s inability to play out from the back has caused issues in United’s first two games of the season, while his ball handling has also been poor.
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Sommer has been talked up by Peter Schmeichel
Sommer is an established player who made 33 Bundesliga starts last season. He may not want to come and be back-up, so United would have to offer him a genuine chance to compete to be number one.
His ability has been talked up by legendary Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel. The Dane talked up his all-round game.
He told Bundesliga.com: “Yann Sommer is one of the most underrated goalkeepers in Europe. Not the biggest, but how he can play football. Not many goalies can do that.”
Schmeichel talking up Sommer’s ability on the ball is key. This was also backed up by Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart.
He told Bundesliga.com: “[Sommer] is better with his feet than most outfield players of Schalke. That’s not a joke – I really believe that.”
Sommer’s contract at Moenchengladbach expires in 2023, but the issue for him is the World Cup later this year. He will not want to sit on the bench ahead of the tournament.
FBRef record Sommer as ranking in the top five per cent of goalkeepers in Europe’s top five leagues for touches per game and top seven per cent for passes per game.
He also ranks in the top 13 per cent for defensive actions outside the penalty box, showing a willingness to come off his line.
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