Syed Shaiban
In the football world today, where money and wages speak volumes and what not, passion is something every football fan would love to see in a player and that particular player knowing the value of the jersey he’s wearing is extremely essential. It seems that Jose Mourinho at Manchester United has got that exactly in Ander Herrera who’s arrival from Spain has seemed the lad embark on a topsy-turvy journey but he continues to fight showcasing his abilities.
Ander Herrera has grown as a midfielder and broke into the first team of Manchester United becoming an absolutely integral player today. While Mourinho is building a side of his own, the midfield is a vital sector that holds a particular team and it is about time that Mourinho should trust and rely upon Ander Herrera than Marouane Fellaini in the midfield.
It was noticed that Herrera was a modern midfielder who stood his ground in the midfield, held the play, passed along and made interceptions and also charged forward whenever the chance was given but over his time at United, Herrera has grown to be a box to box midfielder who doesn’t hesitate to pitch in and help the team at whichever position necessary. His pivot role under Jose Mourinho brought heavy scepticism but he’s proved several doubters wrong. His ability has grown to a level where he is mastering the midfield position and putting in truly brilliant performances consistently on such a high level.
As much as the game depends on physical aspects today, it is the mental state of the player that needs to be strong as well and Herrera is a player who’s very strong mentally as well as physically in terms of contribution. His energy and passionate display has come as a major boost for United in the central midfield.
Statistically speaking, in eight appearances, Herrera has created 6 chances going forward but it is in the defensive sector that his contribution seems to be have been sublime. He has made 25 interceptions, 19 clearances and three crucial blocks which is more than Fellaini and also his energy throughout the playing minutes ensures that there’s a pair of legs giving it all and here too he surpasses the Belgian. Above all, an added bonus and a key factor is Herrera’s passing accuracy which is at an impressive 88% and average length metre is 17 metres.
At a time where the squad selection is very important for Jose at United, Herrera needs to be definitely trusted more than Fellaini.
