Burnley are in continued talks with Swansea City regarding a possible deal to sign midfielder Sam Clucas. Clarets manager Sean Dyche has been a long-term admirer of the player since missing out last summer, as the Englishman joined Swansea.
Clucas is a quality midfielder with experience and know-how of the Premier League. He will add a different dimension to the Burnley midfield in terms of ball-retention and producing high-calibre passes from central areas of the pitch.
Here’s everything you need to know about the player and how he will be a decent addition to the Burnley squad:
Clucas is one of those central midfielders who often link up play between the defence and the attack. He is calm with the ball and often seems to have an extra second when compared to others. His pass completion rate of 83.6% epitomizes his reliability in possession and the ability to pick incisive through balls at will, at a key pass rate of 0.5 per game.
The 27-year-old is a viable defensive option when the team is out of possession. He never shies away from tackling in the midfield to break up opposition build-ups, doing so at an average of 1.2 in the league.
The Englishman also possesses the ability to step up and make vital interceptions. So, overall, he is a complete box-to-box midfielder who can impact the game in various aspects.
In Dyche’s rigid 4-4-2 system, the 27-year-old can play as one of the central midfielders. In addition to that, the manager could also deploy him as a No.10 in a 4-4-1-1 formation. Depending on the requirements, Clucas has the versatility to fit and perform well.
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It will be a good deal for Burnley to sign a midfielder who is brave on the ball and can fabricate chances. With the departure of Scott Arfield to Rangers, Dyche needs someone of high quality, and Clucas fits that bill perfectly.
For the player as well, it will be an opportunity to stay in the Premier League despite getting relegated with Swansea City last season. This will further help improve his game and enhance his reputation as a midfielder.
Stats Courtesy – Whoscored.com
