Phil Jones has explained two reasons why an “important” Manchester United star can thrive in the Premier League going forward.
Manchester United began their Premier League season with a defeat to Arsenal, though the performance offered some positives despite the loss.
A hard-fought draw away at Fulham followed, before United claimed their first league win of the campaign against Burnley.
One consistent bright spot across all three matches has been Leny Yoro, who has impressed with his displays on the right side of defence.
Since arriving from Lille last summer, the young defender has continued to develop, and under Ruben Amorim he now looks to be emerging as one of the team’s key figures.
Jones explains why Yoro can thrive in the Premier League
Phil Jones knows all about being an exciting defensive talent. Sir Alex Ferguson believed he could be one of United’s best-ever defenders but injuries ended up ruining his career.
The ex-United centre-back has been speaking about Yoro and praising all different aspects of the Frenchman’s game.
But, in particular, Jones labelled Yoro’s pace and the athleticism as crucial traits for a defender in the Premier League in the modern game.
“I think he’s been really, really good,” Jones replied, when asked to assess the 19-year-old by club media. “I like the characteristics as a player, as a centre-back, especially on the right side of a back three.
“I think he’s got the pace and the athleticism, which I think is paramount for a centre-half, these days, in the Premier League.
“Technically, he’s very good on the ball,” added Jones. “In the build-up, he’s very good and very reliable.
“He reads the game really well. He’s strong in both boxes. So, yeah, he is going to be an important player for Manchester United for many years to come.”
Yoro could move to left again
Yoro has excelled on the right side of the back three in United’s first three games of the season but he also played many games on the opposite side last term.
Similarly to Harry Maguire when he was younger, Yoro can drive up the pitch slightly more comfortably from the left, being able to come inside and have various passing options.
It would not be surprising if he returned to that side soon now that Noussair Mazraoui has returned from injury, with Amorim looking to get the best defensive line possible.
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Luke Shaw has also looked promising on the left in these opening games but many would argue that the defence would be stronger if Yoro swapped across to that side and Mazraoui came into the team.
But whether he is on the right or left, Yoro looks like he’s ready to take the upcoming challenges in his stride and he will be an important play for Amorim this season.
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