Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with moves for left-backs Layvin Kurzawa and Raphael Guerreiro, the statistics suggest that they should opt for the AS Monaco man.
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Le10Sport is one of several sources to have acknowledged the transfer rumours linking PSG to two of Ligue 1’s finest left-siders. Laurent Blanc’s side aren’t short of left-backs—they have the veteran Maxwell and the youngster Lucas Digne—but are believed to be considering an upgrade.
Monaco’s Kurzawa is already a France international with Champions League experience. Lorient’s Guerreiro, by contrast, while born in France, has already represented Portugal to senior level.
While Guerreiro’s versatility—he often plays as a left winger for Les Merlus—may make him appeal to Blanc, this season’s statistics indicate that Kurzawa would be a better prospect.
Defensively, Kurzawa averages 2.2 tackles-per-match, 2.5 interceptions-per-match and 2.9 clearances-per-match, according to WhoScored. In all of these categories, he outclasses Guerreiro (1 tackle-per-match, 1.4 interceptions and 1.7 clearances).
Offensively, even though the Portuguese star typically plays higher up the pitch—20 of his 29 Ligue 1 starts this season have come in midfield—his attacking contribution has been less than Kurzawa’s.
Admittedly, Lorient’s Guerreiro plays for a side much lower down the Ligue 1 table, but it is notable that he has averaged fewer dribbles-per-game and key passes-per-game. The pair are tied on three assists each, although Guerreiro has featured in 10 matches more than Kurzawa.