Darmian started his career at AC Milan, making his way through the youth system before getting his debut at age 16. However the full back would only make 4 appearances for the Italian giants. Instead he found his feet in Serie B with Torino when he was loaned there by Milan and Palermo, who co-owned him at the time.
He helped Torino to promotion and then stayed with the club, under co-ownership with Palermo until 2013 when Torino purchased full ownership for roughly £1.3 million. He played a total of 150 games, scoring 6 goals and 11 assists for Torino.
Nationality: Italian
Age: 25
Position: Right Back
Previous Club: Torino FC – Serie A
Initial Transfer Fee: £12.7 million
International Caps: 13
His Career So Far
As Italy’s first choice Right Back it is clear that he is world class. He played all 270 minutes of Italy’s 2014 World Cup including the 2-1 win over England; where he paired up on the right side with Antonio Candreva to cause Italy’s best attacking threats of the game whilst helping to maintain a strong defence.
Darmian’s Game
The new United Full Back is quick on the overlap and has a great cross. He has been seen to work well, not only with wingers that tend to tread the touchline, but also those that cut inside and float from a strictly wide position. Last season bagged himself 5 goals and 4 assists over 45 Serie A and Europa League games.
He’s strong, and stands up well for himself. Darmian is also technically gifted with the ability to whip in an accurate cross, shoot with power and placement and has the speed and skills to bypass the opposition. He plays with the ability of one far more experienced but, with the flair and pace of a teen.
Do United need him, and is he a good fit? Yes and yes. United have been desperate for a solid Right Back since Gary Neville retired in 2011. Rafael has not really been able to establish himself as a solid starter and is a common card liability. Antonio Valencia put up a solid season at the right of United’s defence last season but didn’t really prove to be a natural defender, he did well but a team challenging for the title needs players in their best positions.
Darmian is cool headed, fast and can hold his own so should prove to fill the void very well. He would work well behind either Valencia, who tends to keep to the sideline, or the likes of Mata, Young or Di Maria who like to cut inside, where he would be able to overlap with the left back having been drawn inside.
He’s a great signing by the Boss who will solidify United’s defence for many years to come and all at a very reasonable price in today’s football market.
