After Nacho.. : 17 May 2024

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Alaba's Decline

Photo by Sebastian Widmann - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

David Alaba is one of my favourite players. Unfortunately he has struggled to stay healthy and that affected his form as well. His pressing and ball progression were so good that for me it almost made up for him not being a stopper.

With Nacho departing, David looks likely to become the 3rd CB. It is unlikely that Rudiger or Militao will lose their place once the Austrian returns. For now, Alaba's recovery has been dealt another blow.

Tchouaméni as CB

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

The Frenchman has a unique quality about him. The fans are calm when he's on the pitch in midfield or defence. Everything feels a lot safer and calmer. His transition to CB has been so seamless. He looks like he could become a great CB.

His instincts as a midfielder make it more natural to progress the ball from deep and also to join the attack or setup teammates in attacking areas. He could very well be the 3rd CB if Alaba's injury struggles continue into next season.

Rafa Marin

Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images

The La Fabrica product is one heavily linked with a stay in the first team next season. However the club may look to cash in on him.

Rafa has done well in his first season in the top flight and would be a good replacement for the departing captain.

Highly rated alternatives

The players listed below are generally good offensive players despite being CBs. I left out the attacking stats because.. They’re defenders first.

The statistics reflect rankings in the percentiles.

Giorgio Scalvini

Pass Completion: 19th

Progressive Passes: 71st

Progressive Carries: 82nd

Tackles: 91st

Interceptions: 96th

Blocks: 77th

Clearances: 6th

Aerials Won: 82nd

Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images

Antonio Silva

Pass Completion: 99th

Progressive Passes: 84th

Progressive Carries: 80th

Tackles: 95th

Interceptions: 15th

Blocks: 90th

Clearances: 12th

Aerials Won: 27th

Ousmane Diomande

Pass Completion: 97th

Progressive Passes: 90th

Progressive Carries: 81st

Tackles: 81st

Interceptions: 3rd

Blocks: 1st

Clearances: 1st

Aerials Won: 37th

Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images

Jorrel Hato

Flo won't sign a player from Eredevisie ?

Pass Completion: 98th

Progressive Passes: 88th

Progressive Carries: 91st

Tackles: 88th

Interceptions: 59th

Blocks: 83rd

Clearances: 4th

Aerials Won: 45th

Photo by ANP via Getty Images

The CB market is fantastic at the moment and most of the young defenders are good with the ball at their feet. It will be interesting to see how the club approaches things given there is no rush at the moment. If anything, this season has taught us we can do without quite a bit.. and do very well indeed.

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