Italian football expert Mina Rzouki has given a damning assessment of Adrien Rabiotâs qualities as Manchester United attempt to sign the midfielder from Juventus.United and Juve have a deal in place for the 27-year-old, who moved to Turin from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.Per Fabrizio Romano, Man Utd are currently discussing personal terms with Rabiot and the playerâs mother/agent, Veronique. Erik ten Hag also spoke with Rabiot over the phone on Monday.Per Julien Laurens, Ten Hag believes Rabiot can improve United, while the player is understood to be keen on a move to Old Trafford.But after a summer spent chasing Barcelonaâs Frankie de Jong, many United fans appear to be underwhelmed by the potential transfer.Statman Dave revealed on Twitter that Rabiot was in the bottom 12 per cent of midfielders in Europe last season for progressive passes.Another graphic broadcast on Sky Sports, meanwhile, showed that the much-maligned Scott McTominay has outperformed Rabiot for passes, pass completion, progressive passes and progressive carries since August 2021.
What did Mina Rzouki say about Adrien Rabiot?
Then, on Tuesday, Rzouki was asked if sheâs surprised that Man Utd are looking at Rabiot, who has one year left on his Juventus contract, to solve their midfield problems.
She replied: âWell, especially if heâs being looked upon as the solution to that midfield, then I would be very surprised because Iâm yet to really understand what it is that he excels at.
âI think that he may be a complementary figure to what can be a very good midfield, but I wouldnât put him in a midfield that is struggling to find its identity or isnât already working in a cohesive unit.
âHeâs not dynamic, heâs not particularly fast, his defensive markings can be a little bit off-key, and he hasnât really excelled at Juventus.
ROME, ITALY - MAY 11: Adrien Rabiot of Juventus during the Coppa Italia Final match between Juventus and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on May 11, 2022 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
âAnd yet, heâs still the pick for Didier Deschamps at France and when it comes to [Massimiliano] Allegri, heâs always been noted in the starting line-up, so we know that coaches like him.
âBut I struggle to really understand because Iâve rarely looked at him at Juventus and thought: âWow, what a good playerâ.â
Yikes.
A damning assessment of Rabiotâs playing ability and comments that are likely to make United fans feel even more underwhelmed by the Frenchmanâs potential arrival.
But Ten Hag clearly has a very different opinion of the France international, who will cost Man Utd â¬20 million, according to The Athleticâs Laurie Whitwell.
United have, however, ended their pursuit of 33-year-old forward Marko Arnautovic.
FLORENCE, ITALY - MARCH 13: Marko Arnautovic of Bologna FC looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 13, 2022 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)
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