On the verge of becoming Manchester United’s first signing of the summer transfer window, Tyrell Malacia could be a crucial player for Manchester United over the next few years.
Here is everything you need to know about the 22 year-old Dutch Left-back:
Progressing through the ranks at Feyenoord
Malacia was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, to parents from Curaçao and Suriname, with the left-back choosing to represent his birth nation at international level.
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The young Dutch player joined Feyenoord’s youth teams by the age of nine, before progressing to make his senior debut at the club in a Champions League group stage game over Napoli, a game which ended in a 2-1 victory for Feyenoord.
In the 14 appearances Malacia made during his debut season of 2017/18, the left-back showed raw talent going forward and a defensive awareness that gave him status as a highly promising talent.
Winning the KNVB cup (Dutch Domestic Cup) this season appeared to mark the start of success in the Dutchman’s career that Manchester United fans hope will follow the defender to Old Trafford.
He went on to make 19 appearances in the following season, scoring three goals. These goals showcased his attacking talent and ability to provide a threat down the left hand side of the pitch.
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It wasn’t until the 2020/21 season however that Malacia became a true regular in the Feyenoord senior side, making 33 appearances across the season.
Regular football in the Eredivisie as a 21 year-old likely allowed Malacia to develop in the way which has seen him gain recognition around Europe following last term, a season in which the left-back truly announced himself as what some may call a prodigy for the Netherlands.
50 appearances in the 2021/22 season demonstrated Malacia’s ability to establish himself as a regular in a top side and provide his team with defensive stability and venom going forward down the left flank.
The Pitbull - Malacia's strengths
Malacia’s combination of attacking and defensive attributes led coaches around Europe becoming impressed with the young star, as his attacking prowess didn’t result in defensive weakness, a problem many attack-minded fullbacks struggle with.
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This could be crucial for new Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag, as he will look to employ an aggressive pressing style to his team, something that will require fullbacks that are positionally aware and able to cover ground quickly.
While his pace will come as no surprise to Manchester United fans, with modern fullbacks requiring vast amounts of speed as a necessity of the position, Malacia’s physicality and thirst for a challenge may do.
The young Dutchman has gained a reputation in the Eredivisie as a player who likes the physical battle with the opposition, with the nickname of “Pitbull” being attributed to the fullback.
Why it is a bargain for United
It appears as though the £15m fee that has reportedly been agreed between Feyenoord and Manchester United may be an absolute bargain for the Reds, with the fullback displaying many of the attributes required of an elite level fullback.
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This, combined with the age and potential held by Malacia, may be understated by the relatively minimal fee agreed between the clubs.
Manchester United moved swiftly to get in front of French club Lyon and hijack the deal, following an initial agreement between Lyon and Feyenoord for the fullback.
However, following the player’s decision to relocate to Old Trafford, Manchester United are set to complete the deal imminently, with Malacia due to be a Manchester United player by the end of the week.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Tyrell Malacia, Feyenoord, Eredivisie, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag, Frenkie De Jong, Lyon