The ‘exceptional’ Leny Yoro shares a lot in common with both Virgil van Dijk and Manchester United’s own Raphael Varane as the Premier League giants show an interest in the Lille wonderkid.
In Leny Yoro, the latest young defender to emerge from a nation with more talented up-and-coming centre-halves than anyone would ever need, the phrase ‘best of both worlds’ comes to mind.
The teen sensation, linked with abig-money move to Manchester United, Liverpool, PSG, Real Madrid and co, possesses the aerial prowess of Raphael Varane and combines it with the pace and the technical qualities of Virgil van Dijk.
That is according Cesar Arzo, the former Villarreal ace full of praise for a 6ft 4ins colossus who, despite only turning 18 in November, could already set his suitors back an eye-watering £78 million.
Manchester United like Lille ace Leny Yoro
“He is a very strong, fast and, above all, an intelligent player. Even so, I think he has a lot of room for improvement. He has incredible potential,” Arzo tells Marca.
“In addition to the aerial game, which he masters perfectly for how young he is, I would say that he is a footballer who adapts to any situation. Any phase and any moment. His performances throughout the season have been very good. Exceptional.
“The first time I saw him, he seemed like the portrait of Raphael Varane. The same attitude, the same maturity at the same age, the same size, the same…
“Kids like that are a blessing. Yoro is very similar to Varane.”
This is not the first time Yoro has been likened to his veteran compatriot. Amid doubts over Varane’s Old Trafford future – he is one of many ageing, exceedingly well-paid players United will likely listen to offers for in the summer – Yoro could potentially become one of the first marquee signings of the INEOS era, a new data-driven approach expected to prioritise youth and potential over reputations and proven quality.
A mix of Varane and Van Dijk
“That top speed that he shows in every game… Technically, he has very good movement,” Arzo adds. “Furthermore, he does not lose duels. It may be creating too many expectations, but he has certain similarities, in terms of physiognomy and physical power, with Van Dijk.”
“I would like to see him on a higher level of technical-tactical demand than he can. have in Ligue 1. I believe and have confidence that he would do very well because he is qualified . In addition, training and being on a daily basis with ‘top’ players would help him improve.”
According to Fabrizio Romano, speaking to the United Stand, Yoro has plenty of admirers amongst th INEOS big-wigs. What’s more, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s group appear to have a very good relationship with Yoro’s agent, the influential Jorge Mendes.
