Pravir Singh
Only 20 years old and Anthony Martial is already turning heads at Old Trafford. Given his transfer fee, he was written off by many before he even arrived. 36 million pounds which could potentially rise to 58 million for a teenager seemed a bit much. However, he has proved everyone wrong so far. His performances have been rewarded as he’s already won four individual honours. Scoring two goals in three matches, he picked up the PFA Fan’s Player of the month and the Premier League’s Player of the Month for September. He was also awarded the prestigious Golden Boy award which has been won by the likes of Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney in the past. Van Gaal stated at the time he was purchased that he was one for the future rather than immediate use.
Martial was in sublime form as Manchester United defeated Swansea 2-1 at Old Trafford. Playing out on the left, as he often did for Monaco, he wreaked havoc. He constantly looked to take on defenders and showed a real desire to drive into the box. He linked up well with Rooney as well and provided the assist for his goal. He himself was on the score sheet as he met Young’s cross with a good header. So far, the ice cold French Finisher has bagged 5 Premier League goals and 8 in all competitions. He’s been doing this all season for United. Even during United’s recent poor run, he’s been one of the bright spots in the majority of the games. He’s one of the only players in the team who looks to take on other players and beats them. If you compare his performance to fellow youngster Raheem Sterling, he has double the amount of successful take-ons than the latter has. He might not have a big physical presence but his hold-up play has been brilliant.
He adds some much-needed pace and eagerness to an otherwise languid attack at times. Although his primary position is centre-forward, he’s versatile enough to be played on the wing as we’ve been seeing. He’s creative, intelligent, a good finisher and is naturally talented. Unlike some of the strikers United have had in the past, he’s not just a poacher. He scores goals as well as makes them. He has the ability to score from outside the box. All of this has often led him to be compared with legends such as Thierry Henry. At times, he does look a bit nonchalant on the pitch but there’s no doubt that he’s been giving it all for United. He’s shown he’s no pushover and has what it takes to do well in the English Premier League. He’s going to just get better and better in the years to come provided he is looked after and there is no better club than Manchester United for a young player of his ability. He’s already become one of United’s main men and has the potential to lead the line in the future.
