Reports suggest that Manchester United is showing interest in securing the services of Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice.
A resurfaced viral clip sheds light on what the 23-year-old defender could potentially bring to the team.
Amid speculations about the departure of Harry Maguire from Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag seems to have identified Todibo as a potential target for bolstering the defense.
Fabrizio Romano has reported on Manchester United’s interest in the player.
Todibo’s journey led him from Barcelona to Nice in the summer of 2021, where he has established himself as a dependable presence in the heart of the defense.
Although he has yet to earn his senior debut for the French national team, he received a call-up to the squad for the European Championship qualifiers in March. Notably, Todibo boasts experience in the realm of Champions League football.
While his opportunities were somewhat limited during his time at Barcelona, where he appeared in only four La Liga matches over two seasons, Todibo did gain a taste of top-tier European football during his stint with the club.
As Manchester United considers strengthening their squad, Todibo’s capabilities and potential contributions have come under the spotlight.
He started a group stage fixture against Inter Milan in December 2019 as part of a three-man central defence – and left onlookers in no doubt as to his talent and potential.
Clip of Man Utd target Jean-Clair Todibo goes viral
During a match where Barcelona had already secured their passage, manager Ernesto Valverde seized the opportunity to grant playing time to young talents.
Among these emerging stars was 19-year-old Jean-Clair Todibo, who showcased his potential in a standout moment.
A particular clip from that match vividly illustrates Todibo’s abilities. When receiving the ball with his body oriented sideways toward his own goal, Todibo displayed exceptional ball control by swiftly maneuvering the ball into his stride. He executed a turn that left Inter striker Lautaro Martinez bewildered and grounded.
Resuming his play, Todibo adeptly shielded the ball from his Argentinian counterpart before unveiling his close control prowess.
Demonstrating his finesse, he embarked on an intricate run up the field, surging past the halfway line.
His remarkable skills were further showcased as he executed a precise pass with the outside of his boot to find Carles Perez positioned on the right side of the midfield.
This display of technique, agility, and vision highlighted Todibo’s potential and left an indelible impression, hinting at the promising future that lies ahead for the young French defender.
You can watch the clip below.
This was Todibo at 19 in the UCL😭😭 pic.twitter.com/PQvY7WDgSd
— Frank 🧠🇳🇱 (@TenHagEra) August 7, 2023
Erik ten Hag places a dual emphasis on his defenders: a strong focus on defensive duties while also prioritizing composure and ball-playing ability.
The recent addition of goalkeeper Andre Onana, secured from Inter Milan during the summer transfer window, has brought a notable shift in the team’s tactical approach.
Onana’s more assertive and aggressive playing style, in contrast to his predecessor David de Gea, underscores the Dutch manager’s strategic shift.
This evolving philosophy is indicative of Ten Hag’s desire for a well-rounded defensive setup, one that combines resolute defending with the capacity to maintain control and initiate attacks from the back.
In light of this, the acquisition of Jean-Clair Todibo could prove to be an excellent fit, as he embodies the attributes Ten Hag seeks in his defensive personnel.