Why Nicolas Otamendi is a better option for Manchester United than Sergio Ramos

Otamendi is considered a late bloomer

The 27-year-old Argentine is reportedly keen to clear up his future before 27 July, as per the Spanish media. Valencia want to keep the centre-back, who was signed a year back only. Despite the reported threat of the player going on strike, unless a club meets his €50million (£35m) release clause, the Spanish club wouldn’t budge.

Manchester United had a €35m bid (£26.8m) for Otamendi rejected in January. And since then, the player’s stock has risen considerably. He was statistically adjudged as the best centre-back in La Liga last season, a testament of which is Valencia’s fourth place finish last season. So it is no wonder the Mestalla club do not want to budge on his valuation.

Otamendi: An upgrade for Van Gaal over his current centre-backs

Statistics never lie, but they never speak the complete truth. Still, seeing the defenders’ numbers from last season, he is certainly going to be an upgrade over the Old Trafford club’s current crop. Otamendi was more reliable than any of Van Gaal’s regular centre-backs, playing 35 matches in La Liga last season. Chris Smalling played 25 games, Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones 22 and Jonny Evans – who wasn’t often picked – just 14.

He averaged 2.11 tackles, 3.29 aerial duels and 0.80 blocks per game, all higher than the United quartet, while his average of 3.17 interceptions per game was only better by Phil Jones by 0.01 per game. Jones also averaged 0.32 more clearances than the 7.63 that Otamendi had last season.

Otamendi is known as a fiery, aggressive player, but he did play 1,200 minutes more than the others; he averaged 0.26 yellow cards per game, just less than Rojo (0.27). In terms of defensive scores, Otamendi is certainly a value pick for the money being quoted.

Otamendi scored six goals for Valencia last season, Smalling had four (a career high), while Jones has only scored five goals in his four seasons at the club despite playing in midfield and at full-back at various points. Marcos Rojo had just one goal and Jonny Evans failed to score. Thus, the bearded defender can be a handful from set-plays, something United has missed ever since Vidic and Ferdinand have gone.

Of course, they are from different leagues but it is still a major indicator of the Argentine’s tenacity, skills and fitness.

Otamendi vs Manchester United’s Centre-halves (statistics from Squawka)

A top performer in La Liga too

At the age of 27 years, the Argentine is considered by many as a late bloomer. That is what is inhibiting United from paying the exorbitant amount to get him. But considering United are ready to pay around £35-40 million for the 29 year-old Sergio Ramos, that sort of money can be sanctioned for the Argentine too. Agreed that Ramos has been at the top for a decade, Otamendi is one of the most underrated defenders in European football, his standout being the last season.

In last year’s Liga, Nico had most number of defensive actions amongst all of the centre-backs. He made 111 interceptions, 28 blocked shots and 267 clearances. In comparison, Sergio Ramos had 65 interceptions, 22 blocked shots and 114 clearances.

Agreed that Ramos played fewer games, Ramos’ average per game defensive actions are only 0.01 better in terms of blocks. All the other figures are way better for Otamendi. And not only Ramos, his stats are way better than Liga’s other notable defenders like Gerard Pique and Diego Godin.

Otamendi vs La Liga’s renowned centre-halves (statistics from Squawka)

Otamendi’s Playing style

He is an aggressive, powerful and committed centre-half in the old-fashioned style. He is excellent in the air and firm in the tackle, and very brave. In terms of weaknesses, he’s not particularly good with the ball at his feet and isn’t the kind of player to play the ball out from the back. His speed is also an issue but he is extremely good while off the ball and marking the forwards. In totality, he is a no-nonsense centre-half in the mould of Vidic than a ball player like Hummels.

Nico has already stated how he loves playing alongside Rojo and Di Maria, and that he had a verbal agreement of sorts with the Chairman at the Mestalla club. Add to that his agent Eugenio Lopez’s close ties with Jorge Mendes, Peter Lim’s ties with ex-United players and Phil Neville already working at Valencia, this is a match made in heaven.

The only question is the big fee which is still being negotiated by both parties. But considering Ed Woodward’s history of signings and adding to that the amount of money Manchester City spent on Eliaquim Mangala, United should press ahead with this deal. It could potentially make them favourites for the next season, considering the lack of business done by their counterparts so far.