U23 midfielders: transfer analysis

This thread uses data to identify U23 midfielders who could be possible transfer targets this summer based on their 2019/20 numbers.

Graphs, radars and transfer picks #FootballIndex

A quick note

This thread looks at players who were 23 or younger at the beginning of the 2019/20 season and played a minimum of 11 90s throughout the campaign.

Let’s get started

Who are the most creative midfielders in terms of passing and chance creation?

Creativity is a vague term to define a midfielder’s output but here we see a contrast in players who regularly create shot-taking opportunities in relation to their key passes per attempted pass.

Which midfielders frequently progress the ball via passing?

Here we see midfielders who frequently pass the ball into the final third against those who did so into the penalty area.

Which midfielders look to progress the ball via carrying?

This graph looks at midfielders who have been good at progressing with the ball in the context of how often they look to carry the ball per touch.

Aouar and Castrovilli lead the way

Which players are adept at regaining possession?

Possession gains show players who are skilled at winning the ball back in relation to their overall pressure applied.

Laimer breaking charts, again.

Which players provide protection in midfield?

We saw in the FA Cup Final on Saturday how important defensive structure is and being able to stop the opposition is crucial, particularly in a 3-4-3 formation. Here we see midfielders who are good/bad at providing protection.

Which midfielders create the most goals and chances?

This chart looks at players who frequently created shot/goal chances from open-play throughout the 2019/20 season.

Pellegrini breaking another attacking chart, shock.

Top transfer picks

Instead of going through the best performers, I thought it would be worth outlining some players who deserve a move this summer, categorised into defensive midfielders (A), box-to-box midfielders (B) and attacking midfielders (C).

Picks below

A. Declan Rice (West Ham)

West Ham might not have had the season expected but Rice has continued to develop into a top defensive midfielder. It is unlikely that anyone will be able to afford the fees quoted for him this summer but he deserves a top move.

B. Gaetano Castrovilli (Fiorentina)

Again, another player who has performed well this season but that move to a top club might be put on hold by COVID. Castrovilli has enjoyed an impressive first season back in Serie A and future progression may earn him that move soon.

C. Dwight McNeil (Burnley)

I’ve written about McNeil in a range of positions, from left-back to midfielder, but his output this season has been phenomenal for Burnley. He has the tools necessary to become a top player in the Premier League.

Ones to watch

To continue on the transfer theme, these three picks will be players I think are worth tracking in the market after promising 2019/20 campaigns.

A. Eduardo Camavinga (Rennes)

One of the most highly rated youngsters around at the moment but his future remains in doubt. It seems like only a matter of time before he gets a big move although Rennes will have Champions League football to offer in 2020/21.

B. Yves Bissouma (Brighton)

The Brighton midfielder has enjoyed a good season under Graham Potter and another successful season in 2020/21 might see bigger teams looking at him. He’s adept at covering defensive depth and providing a platform for his side.

C. Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma)

One of the top performers from an attacking sense. There have been links with a move to Arsenal which are worth considering when looking at their need for a creative driving force.

Other ones to watch

Another four players worth keeping an eye on in the transfer window:

1. Ibrahim Sangare (Toulouse)
2. Sandro Tonali (Brescia)
3. Manuel Locatelli (Sassuolo)
4. Djibril Sow (Frankfurt)

Now that the transfer window is open, I’ll be looking to do a few more of these so send in your requests if you have any and thanks for reading this!

RTs appreciated. #FootballIndex