Ben Gibson has been linked with leaving Middlesbrough for Manchester City and Chelsea.
Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson applauds fans after the game at Stoke
Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson has attracted interest from two of the Premier League’s best teams with his performances this season, it has been reported.
The Sun says that both Manchester City and Chelsea are interested in the defender, who it’s claimed is likely to cost £25 million.
Gibson has played every minute of Boro’s Premier League campaign so far, an ever-present in a defence that has conceded just 30 goals.
Only Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United have been more miserly at the back.
| Mins Played | Tackles Won | Blocks | Total Clearances | Passing Accuracy | Fouls | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Gibson | 2,430 | 18 | 24 | 171 | 85% | 14 |
| Calum Chambers | 1,710 | 32 | 19 | 137 | 80% | 17 |
| George Friend | 1,347 | 37 | 7 | 62 | 76% | 16 |
| Fabio | 1,246 | 38 | 6 | 38 | 70% | 18 |
Statistically Gibson doesn’t necessarily stand out compared to some other Middlesbrough defenders, making considerably fewer tackles despite playing more minutes, but aspects of his game that are hard to quantify through data such as organisational skills have impressed.
His high passing accuracy will also be appealing to Manchester City in particular, with Pep Guardiola’s defenders encouraged to play out from the back.
Gibson has scored one goal this season
Gibson, who recently turned 24, came through the academy at Middlesbrough where his uncle, Steve, is the chairman.
He has been capped ten times by England under-21s but is yet to be called-up by the senior team.
Despite their impressive defence, Middlesbrough have dropped into the relegation zone for the first time following the 2-0 loss to Stoke at the weekend.
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