Why Sancho?

Dynamic. Explosive. Technical. Intelligent. There's much more too, and that's exactly what I'm going to detail here - digesting exactly the reasons signing Jadon Sancho would be beneficial this summer.

Confidence is key, and Sancho certainly possesses that in abundance. His dynamic footwork and wide skillset torments defences, and is a defining asset within his game. There is a blatant determination to complete take-ons, traumatising his opposition with nimble and quick feet. His ability to navigate through tight areas is some of the best around, and adds an important extra dimension to the Dortmund attack. It is guaranteed that he will take the game to defences, with his nature as a nuisance drawing errors such as commitment of a multitude of fouls in dangerous areas.

One thing that the young Englishman thrives off is pressure from opposition. The directness he has continually added to his game has been extremely beneficial to his improvement since his Dortmund debut in 2017. His assuredness to drive at players when on the ball somewhat magnestises defenders, and creates more space and therefore opportunities. His spacial awareness contributes to his ability to maximise every inch of the pitch, whether that be for himself or in his quest to function areas for his teammates to operate within. Where we often struggle against deep blocks, this capability would be very advantageous for our requirements as a team in order to disfunction opposing defensive setups.

His ability to both score and create from the right has to be acknowledged, and is one of the main selling points within Sancho's game. His finishing ability is composed and controlled, whilst he is technically sound in other creative aspects (thriving off providing service for the likes of Haaland). Purpose through pace on and off the ball has been key to his efficiency for the German outfit; he has the ability to surge forward into advanced areas when in possession, whilst also being able to time and establish the correct runs/movements as soon as he cedes possession to a teammate. These abilities are the epitome of his growing intelligence as he gains more experience amongst Europe's elite.

On the subject of intelligence, refined decision-making has become pivotal to Jadon's gain of utmost execution. There is a clear expertise when it come to distinguishing the perfect option within particular scenarios. A clear quality within his game is the ability to assess when to go alone, and when to create. This balance he has gained augments his efficiency in the final third, where he always appears capable of locating every correct area. This works in conjunction with the ever-present display of determination to receive the ball, and subsequently allows him to make something happen for his team.

It was briefly mentioned, but his combination with Haaland is nothing short of spectacular at times and is something else that Sancho thrives off. There is a clear ability to efficiently evaluate how to intensify the impact of one another's strengths, with their co-operative work allowing them to function as attacking outlets for each other. That sort of telepathic bond has proven pivotal for Dortmund on occasion, and is something that could be significant if Sancho joined and established similar connections with the likes of Cavani amongst other attacking options.

Something we have certainly been lacking is a long-term solution on the right hand side. Whilst Greenwood's development into a centre forward can become a focus, signing Sancho would also add that natural balance to the right that has become prevalent on the left in the past year or so (between Shaw and Rashford). There could be a more consistent influx of goal contributions from that side by having somebody with valuable experience in that position, reflecting Rashford's impressive numbers throughout recent times.

As Sancho continues to get older and gain experience, the maturity in his game is massively enhanced. With his explosive yet technically-refined qualities as a player, he is exponentially growing into one of the world's best.