DALEY BLIND
The Dutch international had one of the best showings out of any player in Brazil. The once considered flop has turned his career around and showed his versatility while doing it.
Blind has played as central-midfielder, full-back, centre-back, and even as a winger on occasion for his native Holland and the clubs he has played for in the past five years. Also, having been coached by Van Gaal at the World Cup, he understands the Red Devil’s manager’s 3-5-2 formation, and is even comfortable playing in other formations as well.
Full-back Luke Shaw would provide competition to Blind, but the Dutch international’s versatility would make him such a solid acquisition before the Premier League season starts. Blind can do many things well and can impact the course of a game in different ways. The current PSV defender can pass, tackle, and win headers with frequency.
In seven games at the World Cup, Blind notched three assists, with two of them coming against 2010 World Cup champion Spain, in which Blind delievered two pin-point passes for goals. The first was to the diving Robin Van Persie’s head, and the other was a delightful through ball to Arjen Robben.
Blind, who finished with an 87% pass completion rate at the World Cup, can immediately improve the United squad and be an integral part of a previously depleted backline and defensive midfield for Manchester United.
