MLS defender Giorgio Chiellini has claimed that ‘it’s not right’ that Harry Maguire has so much pressure on him to perform solely due to his price tag, adding that he is ‘sad’ for the Englishman’s plight at Old Trafford.
The former Juventus defender, who has racked up over 100 appearances for the Italian National Team, was part of the side that beat Maguire and co. in the Euro 2020 final, after which Maguire’s career has appeared to take a significant nosedive.
The Manchester United man has been kept as Red Devils captain, but has not started since the 4-0 defeat at Brentford in the Premier League, with Erik ten Hag preferring Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane as his defensive partnership.
His England place is not yet in doubt, but there will certainly be those asking whether he can conceivably lead the Three Lions defence without playing regular cup football should his time in the cold continue.
However, speaking to the Times, Chiellini revealed that he has a lot of sympathy for Maguire, not least because of his high price tag.
“I am sad for Maguire’s situation because he is a good player”, the 38-year-old defender began.
“They require too much of him. Just because they paid £80 million for him, he has to be the best in the world every match? It’s not right.”
“The value of the market is dependent on many aspects you can’t control. It’s not your fault.”
Turning attention to England,
“Him and [John] Stones are a good duo. OK, Maguire maybe is not Rio Ferdinand but he’s good enough.
“With this situation it’s not helping [England] to do the best.”
Maguire is expected to start both of England’s upcoming Nations League clashes against Italy and Germany, both of which will be major tests of his match-sharpness and capabilities after being on the substitutes bench for so long at club level.
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