Ryan Giggs is hopeful that Alex Telles can add a new dimension to the Manchester United side this season and have a similar effect to Liverpool duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.
Telles signed as part of an active transfer deadline day from Porto and made his first-team debut during the club’s Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, impressing in a wing-back role with his delivery from both open play and set-pieces.
The Brazilian has forged a reputation as a fine attacking full-back during a successful four-year spell in Portuguese football and provided 11 goals and eight assists in 31 league appearances for Porto last season, sharing a responsibility of set-piece situations including penalties.
Full-backs have become increasingly important in modern football with Liverpool pairing Alexander-Arnold and Robertson often lauded as the benchmark, the duo amongst the most creative players in the division and a vital component of the champion’s style.
Man Utd legend Giggs is now hopeful that Telles can have a similar impact on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side this season and continue his impressive attacking returns upon arriving in English football.
“Telles, I think that’s something we’ve been missing,” Giggs told the Webby & O’Neill YouTube channel.
“You look at Liverpool, Trent and Robertson – the goals and assists that they provide.
“Now, full-backs have to have that in their armoury. If the wingers are coming in, the full-backs have to create the width and make goals.”
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