Thread by @AbdelBeheri, Victor Lindelof - Iceman or not good enough?

Victor Lindelof - Iceman or not good enough? - A thread

Age: 25 years old.
Debut: Aug 08, 2017.

Games played: 104
Minutes played: 8,991
Goals: 2
Assists: 2

Lindelöf& #39;s role and performances for United.

JM bought Lindelöf as a second ball-playing CB next to Bailly instead of Smalling.

Lindelöf was very unimpressive in 17/18. He struggled to to adapt (physically) in the PL - noted by his lack of appearances and confidence. However, it was obvious what his strengths are. #MUFC

At Benfica, he was noted for:
- Range of passing
- Ball-carrying into midfield
- Decent dribbler to get out of pressure/cut first def. line.
- Reading of the game; awareness.
- Interceptions, & last dished tackles.

His def. IQ helped where he lacked - physically, aerially. #MUFC

Lindelöf& #39;s performances across all 3 seasons at United.

In 18/19:
- Iceman was established.
- All defending numbers are higher than in 17/18.

In context:
United defended more in 18/19 than any other season, which boosted those numbers. #MUFC

All defensive actions are highest in 18/19:

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬆️" title="Pfeil nach oben" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach oben">Ball recoveries

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬆️" title="Pfeil nach oben" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach oben">Ball recoveries in opp& #39;s 1/2

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬆️" title="Pfeil nach oben" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach oben">Challenges( aerial & grd)

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬆️" title="Pfeil nach oben" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach oben">Tackles

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬆️" title="Pfeil nach oben" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach oben">Intrcpts

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬆️" title="Pfeil nach oben" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach oben">Free ball pick ups

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬆️" title="Pfeil nach oben" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach oben">Def. challenges

Ball playing statistics were at an average level since United didn& #39;t have the ball a lot. #MUFC

In 19/20:

United play with the ball much more often than 18/19 except vs. City & Liv. Lindelöf naturally started tackling less & challenging less.

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬆️" title="Pfeil nach oben" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach oben">Dribbles

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬆️" title="Pfeil nach oben" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach oben">Key passes

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬆️" title="Pfeil nach oben" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach oben"> Ball progression

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬆️" title="Pfeil nach oben" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach oben"> Touches (53.9 -> 59.9/p90)

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬆️" title="Pfeil nach oben" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach oben"> LngBalls

Left Col. 19/20
Right Col. 18/19 #MUFC

In 19/20:United play with the ball much more often than 18/19 except vs. City & Liv. Lindelöf naturally started tackling less & challenging less. https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable=

Let& #39;s compare Lindelöf to 3 top CBs in the PL.

His numbers are relatively close to them. He& #39;s among the best in terms of ball-playing and reading the game.

But,

In old school defending among the top defenders he& #39;d be just above average. #MUFC

Obviously physicality and aerial presence is his achilles heel but his awareness and anticipation helps him stay one step ahead of the attackers and anticipate their movements.

Lindelöf tactical game.

- Under pressure. + dribbling.
- Notice Maguire position as a bonus

Please the comments on the videos #MUFC

- Applying pressure on strikers
- License to move up and Maguire to cover or vice versa. #MUFC

- Man-marking
- Reading attackers movements.

Please the comments on the videos #MUFC

- Ball progression + dribbling.

#MUFC

- Reading the game + anticipation of where the ball will be played.

#MUFC

- Extra actions

(you& #39;ll like an incident in this one)

Mistakes (aerially)

- At this point in the game Crystal Palace had zero shots. #MUFC

- Mis timing a tackle.

Please the comments on the videos #MUFC

Improvements:

- Practice timing of tackles and jumps for aerial duels.
- Remain as a sweeper for Maguire and let Maguire have all the aerial duels.
- If targeted Maguire must cover. #MUFC

Conclusion:
Lindelof is still a very cool and collected defender. He thrives under pressure. Yes - United can get a defender with his qualities + the physical attributes but I still think he an excellent partner for Maguire. #MUFC

They just have to build an excellent understanding of each other& #39;s strengths and weaknesses. One steps in for the other at the appropriate times. He can still improve and look better with a proper CDM in front of him & Maguire.

What do you think? I believe in Iceman.

End. #MUFC

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