Skriniar would actually be better than Kounde. Probably the only player who is better and at the same time is attainable this summer. Others like Gvardiol (still a very good option!) may have world class potential, but they're not there yet. And seems the club is finally determined to get a truly world class CB in, even after getting Christensen, who was a great pickup for free. In the past we would've been totally content with getting just Christensen this summer. For me that's a clear sign the club is ready to move on from Pique and his clown antics...finally! This is his last season for sure, and even then it won't be a bigger role than Xavi in 2015, if even that. If we get another world class CB in, all that's left for Pique is to fight with Garcia for the 4th spot.
Skriniar has actually been insane for Inter, best CB in the league by far, has been for 2 years. With players like De Ligt and Koulibaly also there at that time, that's big. Inter fans absolutely adore him. But he deserves a top club by now. His tackling, speed and anticipation are all top notch. I admit I haven't watched him enough to comment on his ball playing ability, maybe someone who watches Inter could shed some more light on that?
In any case, I'm glad the club are recognizing that a modern CB needs to first of all be strong and pacy. And that we're starting to look for defenders whose biggest ability is to actually defend, and not prioritize the ball playing ability over it. Basically moving on from the Piques and Lenglets to real, no nonsense defenders. Only after that, if they have great technique and ball playing ability, even better.
