"Jordan Pickford has been one of the Premier League's most reliable goalkeepers for some time. His long passing and shot-stopping have always been of decent standard, but, over time, he's developed his short game, able to keep the ball moving and begin attacks by picking out teammates at closer range. His handling is tidier, meaning mistakes are fewer, and he is no longer as affected by his emotions as he was in his youth."
"For years people questioned whether Kyle Walker or Trent Alexander-Arnold should be England's right-back when, all along, the correct answer was neither because James combines the strengths of both with the weaknesses of neither. He has power, tenacity and recovery pace, all elevated by creativity and attacking impetus. A total footballer, he is not just one of the best in his position in the Premier League, but one of the best in the world."
"De Ligt is reaping the rewards of a fallow summer and full pre-season, the only member of United's squad to play every minute of every Premier League match. His box-defending is excellent, he is dominant in the air at both ends and has adapted well to a role that demands he contest challenges in midfield, winning duels and second balls with increasing regularity."
Jordan Pickford has matured into a consistently reliable goalkeeper with improved short passing, tidier handling and reduced emotional errors, enabling him to start attacks more effectively. Reece James blends the power, tenacity and recovery pace of traditional full-backs with creativity and attacking impetus, making him a world-class, total footballer on the right. Matthijs de Ligt has benefited from a full pre-season, showing excellent box-defending, aerial dominance and an ability to contest midfield duels while organising the defence. Maxence Lacroix offers pace, strength, composure on the ball and commanding presence as a centre-back option.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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