4 Reasons to Believe Nicolas Otamendi Will Be the EPL's Next Star Defender
Given Manchester City landed two of their top three targets this summer, Nicolas Otamendi’s move from Valencia for £32 million has been somewhat overshadowed.
Raheem Sterling arrived earlier in the transfer window and became City’s most expensive signing, a record soon surpassed when Kevin De Bruyne moved from Wolfsburg. It’s been a busy and successful summer for Manuel Pellegrini, the City boss, and Txiki Begiristain, the club’s sporting director.
But Otamendi could prove to be a vitally important piece of business. With Eliaquim Mangala and Vincent Kompany having started the season so well, it will take time for the Argentinian to force his way into the side, but he showed last season at Valencia has the potential to be a star.
Here are four reasons why he could end up impressing in the Premier League.
1. His Physicality Could Suit the Premier League Perfectly
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Otamendi's defining characteristic is his strength. He's a powerful athlete capable of outmuscling any forward in the world—an aggressive defender who prides himself on dominating the battle with his opposite number. It's a style that worked wonderfully last season in Spain's top flight.
And it's arguably a style that will suit his new home even more. The Premier League is considered one of the most physical in the world, where defenders have to be rugged, as well as intelligent.
If Otamendi can get off to a good start and get a run of games in the side, he could prove to be tailor-made for English football.
2. He Has a Point to Prove
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Otamendi was universally acknowledged to have been the best defender in La Liga last season, eclipsing the likes of Sergio Ramos with his powerful displays.
However, although he has always been considered a very capable defender, that was the first time he has managed a season consistently playing at such a high level.
It seems, at 27, he is coming into the best years of his career. His hard work is now paying off handsomely. He needs to follow up his fine 2014/15 with more seasons of high-quality defending if he wants to be remembered a great defender.
He certainly has the attributes.
3. He's Superb in Possession
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Otamendi isn't just a rugged defender—he's also one who enjoys bring the ball out defence with purpose.
He's more than happy to stride confidently forward and look to start attacks. It takes a confident player to take on that responsibility, but Otamendi looked exactly that last season as he excelled in La Liga.
His passing, too, is excellent. At Porto, where he played alongside Mangala, he was seen as the one who assumed the burden of passing out of defence, launching attacks with his range and execution.
And last season, according to Squawka, he managed a pass-completion rate of 79 per cent, making 161 successful long balls out of the back line.
4. He Grabs Goals
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Last season, Otamendi score six goals in La Liga, including a vital winner in his side's 2-1 home win over Real Madrid, which ended Los Blancos' club-record 22-match winning run.
It was a healthy return for a centre-half, and a repeat for City this season would be a huge bonus.
Successful teams spread their goals around the pitch. City were perhaps too reliant on Sergio Aguero during the last campaign, a contributing factor to their inconsistent form. The burden needs lifting.
When City last won the title, in 2013/14, they scored over 100 league goals and became the first side in Premier League history to have three players who netted 15 or more. Pellegrini, a manager obsessed with scoring as many goals as possible, wants players in his side who enjoy putting the ball in the net.
The best sides want players contributing with goals from every position. Otamendi could prove to be a useful addition to the club's firepower from set pieces.
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