William Saliba has set the bar high as one of football’s elite defenders. Now, according to Old Trafford legend Mikael Silvestre, Manchester United has its own gem in 19-year-old Leny Yoro, who is being touted as the ‘next William Saliba’.
Leny Yoro: Manchester United’s Young Defender Destined for Greatness
This season has been a turbulent ride for Manchester United, currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League and trailing Liverpool by an astonishing 33 points. Amidst the turmoil, however, Silvestre shines a light on Yoro, who has the potential to transform United’s defensive line in the years to come.
Record-Breaking Signing
United made headlines last summer by signing Leny Yoro from Lille for over £50 million, making him not only one of the most expensive centre-backs in history but also the priciest teenage player in the club’s history. Despite having just one full season in Ligue 1, his impressive performances captured the attention of top clubs such as Liverpool and Real Madrid, before United sealed the deal.
Recovery and Rising Star Status
After suffering an injury during pre-season that sidelined him for the first four months of the campaign, Yoro has made significant strides since December, becoming a vital component of Erik ten Hag’s squad.
Silvestre asserts, “From his time in Lille, we’ve seen that he’s athletically dominant. He makes the right calls when recovering the ball and has good timing.” The former United defender believes that despite still being a work in progress, Yoro possesses immense potential.
Potential Comparisons to Saliba and Konaté
Drawing parallels with established talents like Arsenal’s William Saliba and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté, Silvestre believes Yoro could be the next standout defender for both club and country. “It’s unfortunate that he got injured early in pre-season; I think he will be a major force at United in the coming years,” he expressed, underscoring the young star’s promising future.
Rio Ferdinand’s Bold Prediction
Former United centre-back Rio Ferdinand also weighed in, predicting that Saliba will be the best defender in the world within three years, but he believes Yoro could be a formidable challenger for that title. “The only person I see rivaling him is Leny Yoro,” Ferdinand stated on his show, Rio Ferdinand Presents.
He praised Yoro’s ability to handle one-on-one situations expertly, suggesting that his resilience and skill could see him rise to prominence quickly in the competitive landscape of professional football.
FA Cup Aspirations Amidst League Struggles
Despite their disappointing league form, there is still hope for Manchester United as they remain in contention for the FA Cup. The Red Devils will face Fulham at Old Trafford this Sunday, with a victory setting them up for a place in the quarter-finals.
As the beating heart of Manchester United, Leny Yoro’s emergence offers fans and pundits alike a glimmer of hope in an otherwise challenging season. With the potential to match the capabilities of elite defenders, he may just become the cornerstone of United’s future success.