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Five defenders Bayern Munich should target in January

By Kiran Thakare

11 January 2020, Bavaria, Nuremberg: Football: Test matches, 1st FC Nuremberg - FC Bayern Munich, at the Max Morlock Stadium. Munich coach Hansi Flick reacts to the course of the game. Photo: Daniel Karmann/dpa (Photo by Daniel Karmann/picture alliance via Getty Images)
11 January 2020, Bavaria, Nuremberg: Football: Test matches, 1st FC Nuremberg - FC Bayern Munich, at the Max Morlock Stadium. Munich coach Hansi Flick reacts to the course of the game. Photo: Daniel Karmann/dpa (Photo by Daniel Karmann/picture alliance via Getty Images) /
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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Ricardo Pereira of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St. James Park on January 1, 2020, in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Ricardo Pereira of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St. James Park on January 1, 2020, in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images) /

Ricardo Pereira

The first player on the list is Leicester City’s enterprising full-back Ricardo Pereira. The Portuguese full-back has been one of the best full-backs in the Premier League over the last 18 months. Pereira can play as a right-back or right wingback if the team decides to field a three-man defense.

The 26-year-old full-back is known for his marauding runs in the final third. At full throttle, he is very difficult to contain in the final third. Every forward would love to have a full-back like Pereira. His passing is also tidy, and he can whip dangerous crosses in the box. This season he has two goals and one assist to his name in the Premier League.

Pereira is more than competent while defending. He has a good positional sense to remain one step ahead of the winger to make vital blocks and interceptions. The Portuguese international also has enough pace to burn and bail out his team when they are vulnerable to counter-attacks.

Leicester City is flying in the Premier League as they sit second in the league under Brendan Rodgers. Moreover, they are no longer a midtable club that sells their good players for a decent fee. Bayern will have to come up with a very good offer to sign Pereira as his current contract expires in 2023. However, his arrival will surely make Bayern a much more potent team in the final third.