Patrick Dorgu was signed by Ruben Amorim to occupy a specialized role: wing-back. On paper, the decision made sense. Dorgu’s got the energy, pace, and physical attributes to cover a flank on his own; he does his defensive duties and can contribute in the forward areas, but he never convinced in the role.
On a closer look, it didn’t take long to realise why Dorgu struggled in the role. Wingbacks are primarily responsible for managing an entire flank, and this sometimes includes build-up responsibilities,
which also means that there’s little cover when the player loses possession in the area. Dorgu isn’t someone who is suited to simply recycling the ball or carrying it from conhested deeper wide midfield area like Amad on the other flank; he’s a wide player who wants to take his man on, and recover it quickly if he loses possession.
As the only player operating down a flank, he seemed to go for a safe option all the time in the final third and looked a bit uncomfortable carrying it out of trouble when he possessed the ball in his own half under Amorim, a situation wingbacks sometimes find themselves in. As a typical winger, however, he knows that it’s fine to take his man on since there’s a fullback to help him if he loses possession, not to mention, he’s pretty good at recovering the ball up the pitch and initiating a counter-press.
He’s also blessed with incredible acceleration, which makes him a real threat against sides that will leave some space in behind, as his performances against Manchester City and Brighton under Michael Carrick demonstrated. He can also do a job on both wings and possibly left-back if asked. In many ways, he seems like anything but suited to a specialized role.
Michael Carrick worked under Sir Alex Ferguson, who employed many players who offered tactical solutions in certain games or game states but weren’t expected to start most games. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if Patrick Dorgu is tasked with something similar under Michael Carrick, especially as this side is a work in progress and looks set to be that for at least two more seasons.
Dorgu could be used to offer defensive solidity off the bench in the wide areas, stretch a backline, attack space, or harry a side’s full-back in build-up. A player of his type seems an ideal fit for a manager who seems quite flexible regarding his tactics. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if Dorgu’s trusted in some of the harder fixtures next season.
