The Ecuadorian is naturally a winger, and an increasingly poor one at that…
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Manchester United look set to start the 2014/15 campaign with Antonio Valencia and Rafael as the right wing-back options in Louis van Gaal’s favoured 3-5-2 formation.
Both the South Americans are no longer the players they were under Sir Alex Ferguson, and we reckon the Red Devils could do worse than targeting one of these five stars to come in take the role for himself.
5) Juanfran – Atletico Madrid
The Spaniard is currently in his prime aged 29, and played a crucial role in winning Atletico La Liga last term. He’s defensively uncompromising, but offers a consistent offensive presence up the right flank as well. He’s physically strong, rarely shies away from a challenge, and is accustomed to playing a passing brand of football, where he can play the ball neatly into midfield rather than punting it long. Atletico are notorious for selling their better players, and United could do far worse than snaring the right-back.
4) Dani Alves – Barcelona
The 31-year-old has arguably been the most effective attacking fullback of his generation, but is apparently surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp, with Liverpool linked with a £5m bid. He’s 31-years-old, but while he’s defensively shaky (occasionally), he’d fit perfectly into van Gaal’s wing-back formation – because he’d be allowed and encouraged to get forward as much as possible.
3) Gregory van der Wiel – PSG
PSG have signed Serge Aurier (who would have been an excellent signing for United, by the way), meaning Dutch international van der Wiel could potentially be available. Injuries curtailed his campaign with the French last term, but when fit, he provides a consistent attacking force up the right. He’s the perfect age at 26, too.
2) Seamus Coleman – Everton
Arguably the best right-back in the Premier League last term, the Irishman would undoubtedly be expensive, but would provide United with a hard working, creative wing-back. He’s also comfortable in the position, with Roberto Martinez occasionally using the 3-5-2 as well. The Red Devils were linked with his services back in March, but the inflated transfer fee Everton would likely demand makes any potential deal unlikely.
1) Lukasz Piszczek – Borussia Dortmund
Arsenal were linked with the 29-year-old Pole before the end of the season, but plumped with Mathieu Debuchy instead. Piszczek has been quietly excellent for Dortmund for many seasons now, despite missing much of last term with an injury. He should be ready for the 2014/15 campaign though, and has experience at the highest level, having won Bundesliga titles and played in a Champions League final too.
