Leeds United keen to sign Ajax FC defender Nicolas Tagliafico
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With the pre-transfer season period heating up European clubs are making a move by bidding for some of the best stars of European football. The recent transfer link-up of Ajax FC defender Nicolas Tagliafico to Leeds United is attracting a lot of attention as Manchester City and Inter Milan FC too showing interest in the 28-year-old but the Whites are ahead in the race to grab this opportunity. The defender could be a perfect replacement for the outgoing left-back Ezgjan Alioski whose contract is about to get expire at the end of this season. An approximate fee of 13 million pounds is reported for the bid.
How will Nicolas Tagliafico fit in at Leeds United?
Manager Marcelo Bielsa has laid more emphasis on the unconventional formations of 4-1-4-1 or 3-3-1-3. Tagliafico’s strength lies in his smart marking abilities by tracking the opposition strikers positioning inside the box. The defender possesses a clever understanding of the opposition’s game plan and can adapt accordingly. Playing under a manager of Marcelo Bielsa’s reputation and class will enhance his tactical understanding at the back and will prepare him for the challenges of English football.
The 28-year-old’s pressing and an oppressive game could make it difficult for the opposition strikers to get into goal scoring positions especially during open play. Tagliafico’s aggressive game combined with his bold clearances and tackles will add dynamism in this Leeds United outfit if the contract materializes. The left back’s combination with left-back Stuart Dallas and right-back Luke Ayling will depend upon their coordination at the wings, as well as the centre as both Dallas and Ayling, are known for their pressing and possession-based play. Liam Cooper who plays as a centre back is defensive in his approach and his ability to control the opposition’s flow of counter-attacks could depend on how he gels with Tagliafico.
The Argentine has showcased fine control with his aerial passes so his collusion with defensive Kelvin Phillips and central midfielder Mateusz Klich could be crucial to build-up play in the midfield. Tagliafico has scored 1 goal in 24 games in the 2020-21 Eredivisie season with 3 assists to his name. It needs to be seen how manager Bielsa and the team management accommodate the defender depending on the team combination they pick and the formation they opt for against sides who are unorthodox with their distribution at the wings and inside the box. The Leeds United set-up will suit Tagliafico’s game if the club owners manage to convince the Ajax FC defender to sign the agreement.
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Devang Rajanikant Joshi
(143 Articles Published)