Why Jason Denayer Would Be A Good Signing For Mid-Table Teams In The Premier League
Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City boss, has already concluded a number of big money transfer deals in order to reconstruct his squad to win the Premier League title as well as challenge for the prestigious UEFA Champions League trophy. A few of their youngsters, however, are at the wrong end of the pecking order and expected to move out on loan or permanently, with a view to achieve first team experience on a regular basis.
Jason Denayer is one such name who has been out on loan for past three seasons. The club now seems open to listen to offers for the young centre-back. Denayer, once rated highly by the Citizens, is believed to have many suitors in Premier League who’d like to have him in their side for the upcoming campaign.
Denayer, 21, enjoyed a successful spell for Scottish Premiership champions Celtic FC during 2014-15 season. Patrick Vieira, City’s development team coach, was full of praise for the youthful Belgian at that period of time. He said,
“When I watch Jason playing for Celtic, it makes us really proud. The way he is performing lets me know we are doing things the right stuff . The object is to provide players for the first team, but we know the gap is massive from under-21 to the first team – but this is one way we can get them there.”
Despite enjoying a league winning campaign with the Hoops, Denayer failed to break into City’s star-studded senior team and was loaned out again to Turkish outfit Galatasaray for 2015-16 season. His experience in a league known for its physical toughness, earned him loads of acknowledgements and was transferred in by Premier League outfit Sunderland on a season-long loan for the previous campaign.
But the defender struggled due to his injury concerns, putting in some inconsistent displays. So he was often forced to play out of position (in a defensive midfield role) by the Black Cats boss David Moyes. Sunderland had a dismal campaign as they got relegated to Championship and Denayer’s future at his parent club became further doubtful.
Denayer has already made 8 senior appearances for the Belgian Red Devils and was termed as their future star by the then boss Marc Wilmots for his powerful yet disciplined defensive displays. Although he has his weakness while tackling and dealing with aerial duels, the youngster is calm, composed, and knows how to use his physique while holding on to the ball. He is a good passer of the ball and also a great blocker. He is known for his intercepting attributes to break down opponent’s attacking threats.
However, the Belgian is not in the future plans of Pep Guardiola who already has Vincent Kompany, John Stones, and Nicolas Otamendi. A few new big name signings have also been lined up in order to strengthen the backline. But the young centre-back is well capable of fitting into a number of mid-table Premier League outfits in the form of Stoke City, Swansea City, and Bournemouth, who need reinforcements. Since they intend to construct their game from the back, Denayer would fit in well at these clubs.