Why Angelo Stiller could be Manchester United's perfect Baleba alternative

Photo: VfB Stuttgart

Manchester United could be poised to land Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller this summer after reports of a possible move to Old Trafford over recent hours.

United have made it clear over the past few weeks that they have been targeting Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, yet the Seagulls rebuffed United's initial offer, stating that they are not keen to sell him whatever the price this summer. Baleba is reportedly interested, yet United have since left negotiations for the time being.

As a result, Ruben Amorim, who is keen on signing a midfielder this summer, is looking at other potential targets.

Over recent hours, Ben Jacobs has reported that one of the midfielders on United's list of options this summer is Stuttgart's Stiller.

While he clarified that there no guarantee that anything develops or that United sign a midfielder, but internal discussions are taking place over different targets. The 24-year-old Germany international has come up in discussions as United look to make a decision.

The German joined Stuttgart from Hoffenheim in August 2023, and has since cemented himself as a key player in Sebastian Hoeneß's side, also making his debut for the Germany National Team since then. Last January, he extended his Stuttgart contract until 2028.

Stiller is valued at €45 million, yet in his new deal he also has a €40 million release clause, which could present immense value to any buying club.

So, what makes Stiller such an interesting player?

Taking league statistics from last season into account, Stiller has emerged as a player who could massively upgrade United's midfield this summer, especially on the ball.

Last season, Stiller played 32 games in the Bundesliga, during which he managed a remarkable tally of eight assists, a particularly impressive feat for a defensive midfielder.

However, his other stats are what make him a great option for Amorim.

On the ball, the German averaged 79.6 passes attempted per 90 minutes and a pass accuracy of 89.9%. That is significantly higher than Manuel Ugarte (45.2 passes attempted and 88.6% pass accuracy), Casemiro (57.8 passes attempted and 80.2% pass accuracy), and Kobbie Mainoo (44.5 passes attempted and 87.4% pass accuracy). It is also more than Baleba, who averaged 43.9 passes attempted and 87.9% pass accuracy per 90 minutes last season.

Stiller is a midfielder who is more in the mould of Adam Wharton, rather than Baleba, looking to bring the ball out of the defence and into the forward areas.

In fact, he outperforms all of the aforementioned players when it comes to forward passes, with Stiller averaging 23.2 per 90 (Ugarte 9.5, Casemiro 18.9, Mainoo 11, Baleba 10), an immense improvement that could also be a result of there being more space in Bundesliga matches. He also managed an outstanding take-on success of 66.7%, once again, more than the others (Ugarte 64.3%, Casemiro 50%, Mainoo 47.9% and Baleba 62.3%).

United have lacked someone who is confident in carrying the ball in midfield, especially in Amorim's system where the double-pivot midfield is so integral to linking the defensive line with the forwards.

He also tends to want the ball a lot, constantly looking to be in possession and drive at opposition players. Stiller had 94.8 touches per 90 minutes last season, a tremendous stat considering that none of the other players mentioned even reached the 80-touch mark. Of course, it depends on the areas that he receives the ball in, but given his tendency to make forward passes, Stiller is very efficient and proactive whenever he receives possession, two things that United tend to lack, and Amorim demands from his midfielders.

What are the drawbacks?

However, Stiller is not the complete package, yet.

The German ranks lowest from the five players mentioned when it comes to duels won with 4.5 per 90 minutes (Ugarte 7.4, Casemiro 8.5, Mainoo 6, Baleba 6.8). This is particularly impacted by him not being the most effective in terms of aerial duels, winning just 44% of his duels, a stat that only Mainoo performed worse in, despite Stiller's six foot frame.

Despite that, Stiller is more much impactful when the ball is on the ground, recording a 61.4% ground duel success rate, highlighting his energetic and bullish nature.

Photo: Comparison of 2024/25 league stats - via Squawka and Opta

Stiller ranked lowest in interceptions (0.9), and was considerably worse in terms of ball recoveries. However, it is also important to note that Stuttgart seized control of matches much more than United did last season, and on more than one occasion, United's matches were very open last season, requiring the midfielders to make a significant number of ball recoveries, yet then not holding on to the ball well.

The verdict?

Stiller would be a very good signing for United, but is he really what United need? Possibly.

At just 24, he represents a good opportunity for United to sign a long-term partner to Mainoo, with both players being very effective on the ball. On the ball, he clearly has the ability to be a success, should he join Amorim's side.

However, it is important to consider that he is not completely the answer defensively. Yet with some adjustments to his game, and possibly with the right partner, Amorim could unlock the potential that he truly possess.

In Stiller, United would be getting a player that a number of elite clubs have targeted over recent months, including Real Madrid and Inter, to name a few.

At just €40 million, he represents immense value, possibly also leaving room for a new goalkeeper to come in as well.

Statistics via Squawka