Averages 6.2 Clearances Per Game: Why Manchester United Should Build Defence Around This Bundesliga Defender

With Manchester United looking set to lose at least a couple of their defensive backline this season, I am here to suggest they build their defence around this Bundesliga centre-back.

Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Rafael and Patrice Evra are all out of contract in the summer and it's likely that the centre-back pairing will be looking for new clubs, and the man to build it round, in my view, is Joel Matip of Schalke.

The 22-year-old is a remarkable player and one who I think would really complement Phil Jones. I would stick Jones at centre-half and keep him there to progress, rather than deploying him in numerous roles, and keep Jonny Evans as back up.

Matip has played 17 goals this season in the Bundesliga and shown just how silky of a player he is. While Jones is about physical strength, bustling players off the ball and winning headers, Matip is a player who likes to carry the ball out from the back and look for a pass.

He has averaged 6.2 clearances per game, 2.4 tackles and 2.4 interceptions per game so far this term and looks to be improving every game, and if Moyes is serious about starting a new era of defenders then I would suggest this is a man to build it around.  

Stats via Who Scored