Brighton have offered €18 million [£15.4 million] for Club Brugge left-back Maxim De Cuyper, according to Nico Schira.
The Belgian full-back, 24, has been linked to various clubs and is reportedly waiting for AC Milan to make an offer.
However, given links away for Pervis Estupiñán and with Valentin Barco leaving, Albion should be in the market for a left back and De Cuyper is certainly the most concrete ‘top’ link to date.
But how good is he? Does he get the seal of approval, or does he follow a worrying line of defensive mediocrity?
Things to be happy about…
De Cuyper continues a positive trend among Albion’s defensive recruitment with players that are particularly strong on the ball.
What stands out particularly is his crossing proficiency. He has a range of tools in his arsenal when putting the ball into the box- a signature whipped cross, clipped balls to the far post, low balls across the six-yard box and consistent dead-ball danger.
He takes corners and free kicks and delivers regularly, which is something we do lack.
His dribbling and ball-carrying are standouts too. Underlapping, inverting and overlapping, at six foot he is a really handy dribbler given a combination of solid acceleration and press resistance; at least concerning the standard of Belgium’s top flight.
Whilst the Belgian can be a tad bit predictable in terms of direction, his decision-making is pretty strong which links nicely into technical ability, and him being able to execute a range of passes off both feet.
This adds another positive of him hardly having a ‘weak’ foot- although he is naturally left-footed he is very comfortable dribbling and playing with his right.
He’s also a good finisher when in behind. He gets into good positions as a flying full-back and takes the occasional penalty.
Out of possession, his recovery pace and strength are pretty good, although not outstanding by any means. He’s a ‘good’ athlete.
He reminds me of Trent in that whilst he’s comfortable inverting and playing in a midfield role, I probably wouldn’t play him as a midfielder – definitely not at Premier League level anyway.
He’s reliable in offering another body in possession when inverting though, and gets him in good positions to cross or shoot, as mentioned before.
So, what’s the problem?
Whilst he’s one of the strongest in-possession full-backs I’ve watched, and has a range of impressive strengths. Here is a really, really big reason that I’m not keen on his signature.
That is, of course, his defensive ability.
De Cuyper is simply a liability at the Belgian League and Champions League level, which adds worry over playing him in the Premier League, not least in a back four.
The 24-year-old struggles one vs one. From what I’ve seen, he can’t hack a player who looks to cut inside and overcompensates in covering the wing.
If he’s not getting caught up the pitch in transition, he’s caught far too high up the pitch in his efforts to win the ball and one pass takes him out of the game – a bit like shared problems with Igor, and one of the weaknesses of former Seagull, Marc Cucurella.
I don’t think it’s easy to put it down to an aggression issue because he never commits- if you push as high up the field as he does you need to be like a man-to-man rash and he’s ultimately quite ‘stand-off’. Whilst he’s an aggressor in the way he goes up the pitch (which is the big problem), he approaches duels like a pacifist.
Aerially he struggles, largely because he misjudges the flight of the ball and mistimes his challenges.
I just fear the fail comps will start rolling in after he’s been left behind for the tenth time. His starting position, body language and the timing of his tackles all leave a lot to be desired. If you can’t do it against Westerlo, how are you meant to do it against West Ham?
Away from the defensive side he just looks a bit leggy sometimes. There’s something awkward about some of his actions.
Whilst overhitting passes can be a sign of a good passer, he does it a little too often for my liking. Nothing worse to kill an attack than an overhit pass from a spectator’s perspective.
So, should Brighton take the risk?
Under €20 million for one of Club Brugge’s star players who has three years left on his deal seems a bit odd.
In a back five, some of these weaknesses can be accounted for, however he would be on Boscagli’s side, who isn’t exactly mitigating these problems. Baleba may offer an ability to make up for this somewhat, however.
The left-back market isn’t great and he does add a different dimension, however, is this paradise or is it the shadow realm?
I think he’s good, but the defensive problems probably aren’t worth the hassle. I do worry about him in the Premier League. It’s the kind of signing we make in 2018/19, if you catch my drift.
I’m going to say no, but if he signs, you won’t hear too many complaints, depending on how the rest of the window pans out.
Another slight concern would be that he’s quite similar to Ferdi in a few ways – both would want to play, and they can’t be my full-back partners, especially not in a back four.
Do you think we should sign him – or somebody else? Tag me @Marsh4l__ from @TalkSeagulls and let’s have a conversation. Over and out.
