Arsenal: 3 cheaper replacements to Dayot Upamecano

2. Martin Hinteregger

If Ndicka is a little too young and inexperienced, why not look at his 27-year-old teammate, another who has excelled in a high-pressing defensive scheme and can play on the left side of the defence? Enter, Martin Hinteregger.

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Hinteregger is not the same prodigy that Ndicka is. He is not as athletic, is only suited to centre-back, and will turn 28 in September. His potential is not in the same league as his teammate. But he has been the leader of Frankfurt defence, in a back three or four, and boasts some excellent statistics that should intrigue Arsenal greatly. Moreover, his unflashy name and profile means he might be available on the cheap.

Hinteregger is more conservative than Ndicka. He averages only 10.5 pressure per 90. He wins 58.9% of his 4.32 per 90 aerial duels and makes 1.05 interceptions per 90. His defensive statistics are lower than Ndicka, but he also plays a less active role in the defence and is more than comfortable in supporting the midfield with a high defensive line.

Hinteregger is an excellent distributor. His pass completion rate is 76.4%. That may not sound much, but he attempts more difficult passes. Hinteregger’s passes progress play by 408.3 yards per 90 minutes. Over a third of his passes are long passes (more than 25 yards) and he completes 64.4% of these. He plays 3.73 passes into the final third per 90 and 6.27 progressive passes per 90. If Arsenal are looking for an experienced, reliable, ball-playing centre-back who is left-footed, Hinteregger would be ideal.