Manchester United’s defence has been extremely hit and miss this year, with Louis van Gaal tinkering and experimenting with about five or six different centre-backs throughout the campaign. One player who has certainly epitomised that inconsistency is the youngster, Phil Jones.
According to a study done by the CIES Football Observatory, Phil Jones is regarded as the best centre-back in Europe under the age of 23. Third on the list is Raphael Varane of Real Madrid.
The study was based on rigour, recovery and distribution, and Phil Jones came out on top. There is no doubt that Phil Jones puts everything into every tackle, and he does make some superb tackles when he looks to be in trouble, but the best young centre-back in the world? I’m not so sure.
He has an awful injury record, and often gets himself into trouble, and I’m pretty certain that there are far better centre-backs at passing the ball.
Nonetheless, he’s still young and he is talented. If he can stay fit for a prolonged period then he could well prove us all wrong, but at this moment in time i’d beg to differ.
Is Phil Jones really the best centre-back in Europe? Leave your thoughts in the comment box below.
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