Decoding the Girona defender who is in Real Madrid’s sights

Yan Couto is capturing attention from Real Madrid with his impressive performances at Girona. But what qualities does the Brazilian left-back, who is originally from Manchester City’s squad, possess that make the Bernabeu team so infatuated?

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Couto is an аttаcking full-back, and is an important factor in Girona’s plays in the opposing third of the field. But what makes him different is his ability to maintain intense focus throughout the entire match. Thanks to that, the player who is in Real Madrid’s sights can play as a winger in an аttаck, but always ensures the defensive duties of a defender.

Another important quality of the player playing for Girona on loan from Man City is the ability to connect. Thanks to his excellent ball control skills, he can both pull the ball up, bounce it with teammates or pass people. Couto’s comprehensiveness has helped Girona possess an extremely strong and mutant right wing.

Real Madrid’s goal is not only to know how to create a difference with speed and technique. What makes him more dangerous than other pure full-backs is his diverse ability to cross the ball. Depending on the situation, Couto will choose to cross or cross early from the sideline, with the goal of helping the strikers finish in the most ideal position.

And because he is a Brazilian full-back, this 21-year-old is also very good in 1v1 situations. With his technique and speed, he can easily eliminate opponents. But it is Couto’s positional sensitivity that is especially dangerous, helping him detect and occupy spaces to create mutations.

All in all, this would be an ideal contract for Real Madrid. Because even though the club has just offered a 1-year extension, Dani Carvajal has already turned 32 years old. Couto is 11 years younger than the Spanish international, and with 2 goals and 7 assists in 26 matches for Girona This season, he has proven that he is fully capable of taking over the right-back position at the Bernabeu.

Use initiative to cover weaknessesYan Couto’s weakness, if any, is… shortness. With a height of 1m68, he is completely outmatched in aerial combat. To compensate for physical limitations, the Brazilian player often prioritizes early intervention in ball situations, before it becomes an aerial dispute.