Liverpool fans must have been quite pleased when the Liverpool Echo reported that the club had agreed a £12.5 million deal with Southampton for Nathaniel Clyne.
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However, the Anfield faithful may want to temper their expectations after seeing these shocking statistics from Squawka.
It would appear that Manchester United star Antonio Valencia is better than the right-back in many areas, despite not being a natural in the position and generally being seen as one of the weakest parts of Louis van Gaal’s side.
Even in defence, where you would think the former midfielder would be weakest, the Ecuador international has more tackles won, interceptions, and blocks than his England counterpart. Going forward it is perhaps less surprising that the United man has more assists, successful take-ons, and chances created per 90 minutes.
Even in their overall games, the older player has a better pass success rate, which is particularly worrying considering the Red Devils’ long-ball approach at times last season and how the Saints tend to keep it on the ground.
If it does turn out that the 23-year-old is a flop, then he would not be the first that the Reds have signed from the St. Mary’s!
Dejan Lovren, Rickie Lambert, and Adam Lallana joined the Merseyside club from Southampton last summer, and the first two have been far from impressive. Lovren even struggled to be named on the bench in some matches towards the end of the campaign despite the BBC originally reporting that he cost £20 million.
Could Clyne be the next to disappoint?
Thanks @Squawka – destroying our thoughts of Clyne being better than Valencia: #MUFC pic.twitter.com/xJAmF049eK
— NateMUFC (@nathanielhyatt) June 25, 2015
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