91% pass success, 44 tackles: The midfield commander Man Utd should target

With the January transfer window looming, Manchester United are guaranteed to be linked with most top class midfielders in Europe as they look to bolster their options in the centre of the pitch. The Red Devils have struggled in the Premier League this season and currently, they sit in a lowly eighth place. It is no secret that David Moyes will be looking to dip into the transfer market as soon as possible for a midfielder. Let’s provide the Scot with a slightly less well-known option which could turn into an extremely astute bit of business.

This potential target could be Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Christoph Kramer. Although the on-loan Bayer Leverkusen man may not have the most high profile of names, he possesses all the attributes United will be looking for when they mull over potential transfer targets.

Gladbach have been in brilliant form in the Bundesliga so far this season as they sit in fourth place, with just goal difference separating them with third-placed Borussia Dortmund. Kramer is part of their young and talented team alongside the likes of Max Kruse, Luuk De Jong and Granit Xhaka.

He is exactly the sort of midfielder that United should be after. Kramer is a powerhouse in the centre of the park and knows how to play as part of a two-man midfield. A sample Heat Map from Gladbach’s 2-0 win over Stuttgart this season shows that Kramer sits in front of their back four but has the capability to spring forward at any given opportunity.

United have been crying out for a midfielder to make positive darts forward with the ball this season and Kramer offers that. He has completed 31 take-ons already this season, which shows just how technically gifted the German is. Kramer’s ability to run with the ball is an attribute which is vital in a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 formation, both systems which Moyes has preferred to use in his first games in charge at Old Trafford. The German gives defenders that extra problem by darting from deep areas of the pitch, forcing them to come out of position in order to stop him. This then opens up space for the more creative players in Gladbach’s team to weave their magic in advanced areas of the pitch. United’s first choice midfield pairing of Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley aren’t exactly known for doing this.

Kramer is also an extremely reliable passer of the ball and would be able to feed United’s more creative midfielders efficiently should they swoop for his services. His 91% pass completion rate this season highlights how dependable he is when in possession.

In a two-man midfield, you need to have the ability to track back, be disciplined and tackle as well as being able to pass and move forwards. Tom Cleverley, United’s current first-choice central midfielder, has been widely criticised for being ineffective in a two-man midfield for lacking the all-round game needed to be a success in this sort of system. Kramer would not only add more than Cleverley with the ball but he would offer much more without the ball too. He has already won 44 tackles in the Bundesliga this season at a 67% success rate.

Kramer may not be the big name that United fans are craving but he could be exactly what they are after. Moyes needs to be shrewd with his money and someone as powerful and mobile as Kramer could be a tremendous addition to United’s, frankly, weak midfield.