'More complete than Alexander-Arnold' - What Man Utd target Pavard has said about his game
Suraj Radia
- Updated: 22 Jul 2022 20:54 BST
- 3 min read
Benjamin Pavard believes he should be treated with the same respect as the likes of Achraf Hakimi and Trent Alexander-Arnold as speculation grows over the defender’s future at Bayern Munich.
Manchester United and Chelsea are among the sides linked with the Frenchman and Pavard, speaking in an earlier interview, claimed that his defensive ability sets him apart from his rivals at right-back.
Pavard said: “A defender must first defend well. On paper, Pavard may be less sexy than Hakimi or [Alexander] Arnold, but I find that defensively I am more complete.”
“If [France manager] Didier Deschamps trusts me, it’s not because he really likes my beautiful eyes or my beautiful hair. He is aware of my qualities.
“I would have liked to be more respected in France because I am French, but after that, I will not force people to go to watch the matches in Germany.
“Real people who watch football know the performances that I have had and that I am doing.”
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Could Pavard be set for a move to the Premier League?
Pavard could leave Bayern after they signed defenders Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt but it is believed the 26-year-old would only consider a move if he can play at centre-back for his new side.
Pavard made 25 appearances in the Bundesliga for Bayern last season, with the vast majority coming at right-back, however the former Stuttgart man feels that is not his best position.
“My position is a central defender. It always has been,” Pavard said. “This is where I feel most comfortable, where I take the most pleasure. This is where I find myself the best.
"I think we see more of my qualities in this position. If the great coaches put me on the right side, it is because they have confidence in my abilities.”
Would Benjamin Pavard be a smart signing for Man Utd this summer? 🤔https://t.co/SP3Lr8SReG
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) July 21, 2022
United have already signed Lisandro Martinez at centre-back this summer while Chelsea are looking to add Jules Kounde to their backline after bringing in Kalidou Koulibaly, meaning both sides may consider Pavard an option at right-back.
However, with two years left on his contract and the prospect of first-team football at Bayern diminishing, Pavard’s versatility could still see him targeted by a host of Europe’s top sides.
Read more about: Bundesliga, Premier League, Bayern, Chelsea, Man Utd, Achraf Hakimi, Benjamin Pavard, Jules Koundé, Kalidou Koulibaly, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Trent Alexander-Arnold
