3 potential replacements for Paul Pogba at Manchester United

2. James Maddison (England, Leicester City)

James Maddison

Leicester City's James Maddison is not the ideal replacement for Pogba at Manchester United per se. For starters, he plays as a No. 8 in a midfield three and also likes to operate as an attacking midfielder. But there’s no doubt that the Englishman is a kind of player Manchester United desperately lack in the team. Keeping in mind his ability to chalk out chances on the pitch, Maddison could yet be the perfect man to full up the creative void that would be left in the team if Pogba leaves.

The Englishman operated as a No. 10 last season and averaged 2.3 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per game. This time, Brendon Rodgers has used him as a No. 8 and Maddison has flourished in the role, excelling with the ball at his feet, while also becoming defensively aware. His dribbling has increased and improved; he is currently averaging 2.3 dribbles per game. The Englishman’s ability to operated in multiple roles will also entice Solskjaer, who will see him as the perfect candidate to take his United team forward. Having just turned 23, the Englishman could be United’s midfield maestro for years!

With speed of the forward players ahead of him, Maddison will be charged with pulling the strings from midfield or as a No. 10 in the current 4-2-3-1 formation. His positional awareness and ability to create space for himself would suit United’s style of play. However, he will definitely cost a fortune and Rodgers will loathe losing another of his star man to United.