3 years younger than Benatia and likely to be much cheaper. Perhaps a factor if Yaya and Borat continue their foolishness and we need more money available to adequately replace him.
Lovren came on last year in a big way after I think So'ton bought him for 5mil.
I think this guy has the potential to be brilliant and would fit perfectly with Pellers' system. Whoscored rates him 7.32 over 31 League appearances, which is very, very good. Benatia was around 7.5 (ridiculously good) and Mangala 7.03 (above average.)
Past the ratings, he would be great, I think, in the MDM role alongside Komps. A very active defender and a big contributor going forward.
I probably saw Lovren 15 times this year. Maybe Benatia 2-3 times so I can't compare them as far as my own opinion. If it were Lovren at 10-15 mil versus 30-35 for Benatia or past 40 on Mangala I'd really rather have Lovren.
I have watched Mangala in the past a good bit and would love to have him. But after the price tag on Sideshow Bob, one shudders to think on what Porto would hold us up for. Lovren is one year older and much more polished of a player than Mangala. The latter would project out as maybe a better prospect in the long run of course.
