Leicester are interested in this Eredivisie star: FoL’s verdict
Leicester City could be in the market for a new left back if Ben Chilwell leaves. Max Clark of SBV Vitesse will reportedly be a target.
Daily Mail claims Max Clark is on Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City transfer shortlist. He’s an Englishman applying his trade in the Dutch Eredivisie, with SBV Vitesse.
The 24-year-old struggled to break into his hometown club Hull City’s starting XI back in 2016, in fact he merely provided a backup option to Andy Robertson. Subsequently he opted for a two-year loan spell with Cambridge United instead of remaining a Tiger.
After two seasons with The U’s, Clark finally found a spot in Hull City’s side, replacing Robertson after he left for Liverpool. However, this was short-lived, he spent only one season playing in the first team before moving to SBV Vitesse on a free.
His current market value, after two seasons with Vitesse, is apparently just shy of the £1 million mark. He’s a player that would need time to grow into the role at Leicester City, as currently, he’s lacking the offensive quality that Chilwell brings on a consistent basis. Although, he’s an impressive defensive fullback.
Stats of Leicester City target
During the 2019-2020 Eredivisie season, Clark completed the most tackles for Vitesse, by quite a significant margin: 55 tackles, 23 more than Matus Bero – a Slovakian forward; and 33 more than the next best defender at his club. In the entire Eredivisie, Clark is fourth for tackles completed and third best for tackles completed per 90 minutes of football.
When you consider the Eredivisie to be one of the better leagues in Europe, it’s quite the accolade. With Ricardo Pereira being one of the best right-backs in the world, having a defensively sound left-back gives the Portuguese international more freedom to push into offensive areas for the Foxes. Max Clark is seemingly just that option.
In Leicester City’s last game, before the coronavirus break, James Justin started the game at left-back and played extremely well. When Justin signed from Luton Town he was primarily bought with the idea of playing at right-back, but his ability to use both feet – with confidence – makes him a viable option on either side.
Max Clark could be a back-up
By signing Clark, Justin would probably slot into the starting XI at left-back to replace Chilwell, and Clark would fill in when required. Given that his valuation is below £1m and he’s played two full seasons in Holland’s topflight, with success, there’s definitely more expensive yet, probably, inferior options that the Foxes could pursue.
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However, signing Clark as the starting left-back would be a step backward, for the Foxes, a club that’s advancing in the complete opposite direction.