Summer Road Map - Part Three

Right Back Targets

This is our insight into potential right back options for the club next summer, a position we cannot deny has become more important as the season goes on. Whether you look for something different or similar to Walker, another player is vital.

Right Back Targets

Given that we have Kyle Walker taking most if not all minutes this season, it is important that the club look towards a player to take those minutes and add value where Walker is weak.

Here is a comparison per 90 between Walker and the targets we have selected.

Comparison Matrix via Squawka

Note that you must also take into account the sides players are at, Luton Town will not be a possession dominant side but we can still learn a lot from the numbers of Issa Kabore.

Key Takeaways

  • All of the players tkae a high volume of touches and recover the ball roughly the same. Robinson being the stand out on that as a positive but negative on times possession lost.

  • Couto and Frimpong both add more value with goal contributions compared to the remaining players.

  • Couto and Robinson more comparable to Walker on long passing accuracy, ability to switch and play long passes wide back to the middle important in this side.

  • All players a step above walker with crossing volume yet below on accuracy.

  • Couto and Frimpong providing more completed take-ons, a bigger threat as a right back option.

  • Only Robinson is compared to Walkers strength in aerial and ground duels.

  • Robinson stands out above all in clearances and interceptions.

Target Players

  • Yan Couto is having his best and breakout season over at Girona FC. Playing a part in why they sit top of the league, he is one of the most promising attacking full backs at his age. On loan from Man city and has to be a serious option for us. Able to cover ground for ninety minutes, dangerous crossing threat and successfully taking on players. Defensive qualities can be mitigated if he is coming in to compete with Walker than outright replace him.

Radar via DataMB

  • Antonee Robinson would be an ideal RB if we want to get a similar defensive profile to Kyle Walker. Young enough age to have many seasons with the team but experienced with the premier league. Physicality and stamina to perform up the right hand side for ninety minutes. Strong in aerial and ground duels. Switched on with his clearances and interceptions. More of a crossing threat for us without sacrificing defensive duties.

    Comparison matrix below shows just how similar these two are on profiles at right back, Robinson providing a lot more this season in his defensive actions, duels and progressive passes.

Radar via DataMB

  • Jeremie Frimpong similarly to Couto he is having a breakout season in the Bundesliga and was previously at our academy. At 22, he is one of the best attacking full backs on form right now, providing five goals and six assists in the league this season. An engine to push up and down the right hand side all game long, competing with Walker and providing the team a different weapon out wide.

Radar via DataMB

  • Issa Kabore is a notable mention as a right back option that is similar to the defensive profile walker gives. Would arrive at the squad level Sergio Gomez had and might well push through to significant minutes. He has gone under the radar for his loan at Luton this season, clearly competent with the rigor of the premier league and handles the physical side.

Radar via DataMB

Other Options

  • Look to bring in a central defender, included in our targets list, that will allow Akanji to move to being our RB option with Walker. Same could be done with a defender we have on loan, Callum Doyle, to allow Akanji to play more as a RB.

  • Look at Nunes playing as a RB long term, something Pep has mentioned previously.

We will breakdown several position targets over the next few days before concluding with our picks. Let us know what you thought about these players, who missed out and would be your pick to arrive this summer!

Reply

or to participate.