[Opinion] Lingard: star man or support? Keep expectations realistic | OneFootball

The name Jesse Lingard has gained momentum behind the scenes as a real possibility in the transfer market and could become Corinthians’ next signing. Naturally, such news makes an impact. A player with a history at Manchester United carries weight on his resume and can create expectations among fans that are higher than what the signing actually represents. At the same time, treating him as a “nobody” is also an exaggeration.

Lingard is not a superstar. But he is far from just any player.

Photo: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

He has a consolidated career in Europe, with ups and downs, years at a high level, stints at Manchester United, West Ham, and other competitive clubs. He comes with good numbers from Korea, is active in the market, would not require a transfer fee, and is not expected to arrive with a salary beyond Corinthians’ reality. In this scenario, the analysis needs to be balanced.

The question is simple: does the fan expect a protagonist or understand that he can be an important supporting player?

Being useful is no small thing. Having useful players in the squad is fundamental for anyone who wants to compete.

I see him as an interesting tactical piece. A player who thinks the game, understands space, can play centrally or out wide, especially on the left side, in a role similar to what Vitinho has played at times. Another option for Dorival to vary the system, rotate the midfield, and adjust the team according to the opponent.

Today, Corinthians has a young squad, with many players still maturing and with little international experience. Even when they take on leading roles, they are still building their competitive resume. And it’s worth remembering that the club will compete in the Libertadores, a competition that at certain moments demands exactly this experience, composure, and game reading.

This is where the arrival of someone with European football training and experience can make a difference. Not just technically, but in tactical awareness, emotional control, and composure to manage the game. It’s the kind of experience the current squad is still building.

In this context, with Zakaria Labyad already integrated into the squad, the possible arrival of the Englishman alongside him starts to make sense. Not necessarily to take the place of the young players, but to add experience, a competitive mindset, and game repertoire.

Corinthians has struggled in recent seasons precisely in midfield. Options were lacking, there was little rotation, and there were no alternatives to maintain the level when the squad needed to be rotated. With him and Labyad, the club gains pieces to strengthen the sector and raise internal competition.

As long as the fans understand their role.

They are not protagonists. They are important supporting players. And a competitive team is also built with good squad players.

If he comes with the right expectations, it could work out.

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.