STATS: Is Maguire emulating his heroes Rio and Vidic?

Reports on Thursday claimed that Harry Maguire is desperate for a move to Manchester United so that he can follow in the footsteps of his defensive idols, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

Leicester have rejected two bids from United which has left Maguire frustrated. While the defender won’t solve all of our problems, he certainly is a step in the right direction and improvement on what we currently have.

But how close to Ferdinand and Vidic’s level is he?

Comparing him with our defensive pair in the 2007-08 season, he doesn’t come across too well. Ignoring the total goals conceded, as that would be unfair, his individual statistics aren’t up to scratch.

Comparing Maguire’s 31 appearances with Rio’s 35:

The only area where Maguire outperforms Rio is with aerial battles, with 3.8 per game compared with Rio’s 1.4 per game. Rio won 1.4 tackles per game compared to Maguire’s 0.5. Rio made 13 clearances per game compared to 4.9. Rio made 7.1 headed clearances to Maguire’s 2.5.

Then comparing Maguire’s 31 appearances with Vidic’s 32:

Vidic won 1.7 tackles per game compared to Maguire’s 0.5. Vidic made 17 clearances per game, compared to Maguire’s 4.9. Vidic made 11.8 headed clearances per game compared to Maguire’s 2.5. Maguire slightly edges the aerial battles won, making the same number in one less game. Maguire also made slightly more blocks per game too.