Scott McTominay in awe of Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s sliding tackle mastery
Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has garlanded praise on Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s “absolutely ridiculous” yet “controlled” tackling ability.
The 21-year-old completed a £45m switch from Crystal Palace to Old Trafford earlier this summer and has so far played a key role in all three pre-season matches.
Wan-Bissaka’s slide tackle mastery: Five things to know…
- Wan-Bissaka drew widespread praise for his defensive capabilities last season.
- Across his 35 league appearances in 2018/19, only nine individuals managed to dribble past him.
- He also made more tackles (129) than any other Premier League defender.
- He was one of only two defenders in the PL with 40+ tackles made (129), take-ons completed (61) and interceptions made (84).
- McTominay has now praised the youngster having seen his defensive abilities up close and personal.
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The standout performance in his nascent Man Utd career has so far come against Italian giants Inter Milan, with his man-of-the-match display keeping the Nerazzurri at bay and ensuring a 1-0 victory for the Red Devils.
Analysing Wan-Bissaka’s early showings, academy graduate McTominay has now spoken in awe-stricken terms about the newcomer, highlighting his natural defensive instincts.
“We were watching on the side and it’s absolutely ridiculous the way it looks like he’s diving in, but he’s so controlled in the way that he does it,” McTominay told the club’s official website.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the only outfield Premier League player with at least 900 minutes since 2016-17 to make 3+ tackles per 90 whilst being dribbled past fewer than 0.5 times on average per 90 minutes.
That's why he's in the top right. 📊 pic.twitter.com/O2SroONss4
— Squawka (@Squawka) July 22, 2019
“He’s another one who is learning every day from the coaching staff. It takes time to come to a new team and adapt but he’s settled in straight away.
“He’s just like one of the boys and it’s nice to have him around as well. He’s another big player that’s going to be a great addition to the squad.”
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McTominay relishing Spurs showdown
The Scotland international was speaking ahead of Man Utd’s International Champions Cup clash against Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, and he wants his side to prove a point at the Hongkou Football Stadium, showing the club’s ‘big six’ rivals that they mean business next season.
He said: “We had some really good games with Tottenham last season and in pre-season, you want to stamp your authority from the [word] go.
“You want to go up against them and show them that we’re here for the season ahead and they’re going to have to match us.”
