Manchester United’s move for Frenkie de Jong has stalled for almost a month, and the Red Devils are now being urged to look for his alternatives.
Former Arsenal man Kevin Campbell is the latest to join those who feel United should not dwell in their almost failed pursuit of the Barcelona midfielder.
Campbell has rather suggested Ten Hag’s men now poach Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as an alternative to Frenkie De Jong. Though a complete opposite player to De Jong, Campbell feels United should still go for the Serb.
Milinkovic-Savic is a robust, all-round midfielder who can contribute heavily in either ends of the pitch. The Lazio midfielder could be a perfect replacement to the versatile Paul Pogba who was released this summer.
Milinkovic-Savic an upgrade on Frenkie de Jong?
Kevin Campbell has heaped praise on Milinkovic-Savic who has been the heart of Lazio’s midfield.
While talking to Football Insider, Campbell said, “He’s a really top player. He has been linked with Arsenal and Newcastle as well… If Man United come into town and put the money down, I think Lazio’s ears will really prick up.”
As Campbell reveals, Milinkovic-Savic has been linked with a move to his former employers and Newcastle only for Lazio’s asking price of £68 million to fend them off.
Campbell further continues, “Is it a risk? I don’t think so. I have watched him play. He is an exciting player. “Yes, he has never played in the Premier League before. He might take a little bit of time to adapt, but I’m confident he could cut it here.”
The former striker feels Milinkovic-Savic would be a ‘great option’ for Ten Hag if his preferred man Frenkie de Jong doesn’t sign.
“Frenkie de Jong is a player Ten Hag already knows. He knows what he brings and what he can get out of him, so I understand why he would be the preference. But if they cannot get De Jong, Milinkovic-Savic would be a great option.”
Milinkovic-Savic does justify the praise lavished on him by Campbell. The midfielder featured in Lazio’s all but one league game last season, scoring 11 goals and providing as many assists.
He further racked up 2 shots, 1.4 chances created, 1.2 dribbles, 3 shot-creating actions and a massive 14.5 presses per game in Serie A last season.
As far as defensive involvement concerned, Milinkovic-Savic accumulated 1.8 tackles, 2.8 aerial duels won, 1.4 interceptions and 11.6 passes made under pressure.
On the other hand, Frenkie de Jong has seldom looked like the one from Ten Hag’s Ajax team at Barcelona. The midfielder’s performances have also been hampered due to constantly being played out of position.
Milinkovic-Savic demands the same amount of fee as De Jong and in current conditions is clearly ahead of the Dutch international.