I think the 1v1 aspect is key for us. Before the Wolves game Sky showed 3 of the goals we let in last year against them and for all the goals Otamendi got rinsed 1 on 1 by falling on his arse. It wasn’t just him last season as it happened frequently, but that illustrates how exposed our defenders are, particularly in transition.
Although there’s always a risk with any transfer, what I also think bodes well is that he’s played in France at a very good level. Their football is more physical and direct than in Spain and this together gives him a good shot at adapting quickly to the Premier League.
He clearly excelled there also as he wasn’t bought for beer money by Sevilla, as they spent €25m on him with a 20% sell on. That’s the top end of what they spend on players and it suggests he’s seen as a top talent. Hopefully he’s the right guy.